Pat Boone Urges Trump to Embrace Silence and Presidential Dignity
92-year-old entertainer Pat Boone posted an Instagram video on September 18, 2026, advising President Donald Trump to 'be quiet' and adopt a more presidential demeanor. Boone, a former Trump supporter, criticized the president's recent name-calling and boastful behavior, suggesting that silence and politeness, particularly toward women, would improve his public image. He also recommended that the media ignore Trump for a few days to encourage this change, citing Ronald Reagan's style of humor and restraint as a model.
Key points
- Pat Boone, 92, posted a video on Instagram on September 18, 2026, directly addressing President Donald Trump.
- Boone advised Trump to 'be quiet' and stop boasting about his achievements, urging him to let others discover his accomplishments.
- The entertainer criticized Trump's name-calling and lack of politeness, especially toward women, calling his behavior 'not presidential.'
- Boone suggested that the media refrain from covering Trump for a couple of days, including skipping press conferences, to encourage a change in communication style.
- He referenced Ronald Reagan as a model for using humor, politeness, and respect to gain better support and reporting.
- Boone noted that he voted for Trump in the 2016 campaign and had previously cautioned him against 'schoolboy' behavior in debates.
Background
Pat Boone has a history of advising Trump on rhetoric, having done so in 2016 and 2022. This latest appeal comes as Trump intensifies attacks on the media. Boone, a 1950s pop icon and longtime Trump ally, has previously pressed the president on his communication style. In September 2026, Boone also accepted a Legacy Award on behalf of Barbara Eden at Cinecon, highlighting his continued public presence.
Why it matters
Pat Boone's public criticism of President Trump's communication style highlights ongoing concerns about presidential conduct and media relations. His appeal for silence and civility, referencing Ronald Reagan's model, underscores the tension between a president's public persona and traditional expectations of presidential dignity. This incident may influence how the media and public perceive Trump's leadership and communication strategies.
What to watch
It remains to be seen if President Trump will heed Pat Boone's advice to 'be quiet' and adopt a more presidential demeanor. The media's response to Boone's suggestion of a temporary silence on Trump's activities will also be a key indicator of the impact of this appeal. Trump's subsequent public appearances and press conferences will reveal whether he has adjusted his communication style.
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