Attitude Analysis in Donald Trump's Political Speeches After The 2024 Presidential Election: An Appraisal Theory Approach

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the types of Attitude such as Affect, Judgment, and Appreciation and how they are realized in Donald Trump’s political speeches after the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, based on Appraisal Theory by Martin & White. The speeches were taken from YouTube, specifically the “Donald Trump Declares Victory” (2024) and “Inauguration Speech” (2025). The research uses a qualitative approach with interactive model analysis. The findings reveals that Judgment is the most frequently used type of attitude, appearing 133 times (40.30%), reflecting Trump’s evaluation of behaviors, particularly in portraying himself as competent and moral while criticizing previous governance. Appreciation is the second most dominant with 129 times (39.10%), used to positively evaluate national achievements and future prospects. Affect appears 68 times (20.60%), reflecting Trump's personal emotions such as optimism, confidence, and patriotism. This analysis reveals how Trump uses evaluative language to shape leadership image and persuade public opinion in a politically polarized context.