An Analysis of Hedges and Boosters in Donald Trump’s Presidential Speeches

This study looks at the types and percentages of hedges and boosters in Donald Trump's presidential speeches. A qualitative approach was used, with Hyland's (2005) framework serving as the theoretical foundation, as well as Hyland's (1994) and (1998) classifications for hedges and boosters. The study's objectives are to (1) identify the different types of hedges and boosters employed in chosen speeches and (2) determine their percentages. The data includes three speeches: the inaugural address (2017), the March for Life (2020), and the inaugural address (2025). The study found four types of hedges; modal auxiliary verbs, adverbial/adjectival nominal modal expressions, if-clauses, and time references. For boosters, only one type which is Certainty Modals, appear throughout all remarks. The hedge word would appears most frequently in March for Life 2020, whereas will is the most commonly used certainty modal in all three addresses. Boosters outnumber hedges, accounting for 91% in the first speech, 75% in the second, and 95.5% in the third. These findings show that Trump's rhetorical style is heavily reliant on certainty modals, which convey confidence, determination, and assertiveness. The very minimal use of hedges indicates a desire for direct and unequivocal communication, which is consistent with his political image as a powerful and decisive leader. This study adds to prior research emphasizing the dominance of boosters in political discourse and provides additional evidence of how language choices influence popular opinions of political figures.