David Le Strauss's 'Co-Illusion' Dissects Trump's Rise and the End of Communication

David Le Strauss's book 'Co-Illusion. Dispatches from the End of Communication' (MIT Press, 2020) examines the cultural, political, and social climate of the United States during the Trump era. The American writer, essayist, and art critic argues that Trumpism has created a new form of 'iconopolitics' driven by fear, denial, and the manipulation of images and words. The book combines text with photographic dispatches by Magnum photographers Susan Meiselas and Peter van Agtmael. Le Strauss analyzes how Trump's 'Make America Great Again' slogan seeks to reverse the cultural changes of the 1960s, including civil rights and multiculturalism. He cites filmmaker Michael Moore's pre-election prediction that millions would vote for Trump to shock the country. The essay explores the use of social media to maximize attention while minimizing control, leading to a surreality where fake news denies real events like social struggles, racial tensions, and climate disasters. The book concludes with reflections on the chaos following George Floyd's death and the urban riots. Originally published in 2020, the 184-page volume costs $39.95.