By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Donald Trump recently cast a mail-in ballot in a Florida special election, despite his frequent public criticism of the practice as “mail-in cheating.” Trump explained that he used a mail-in ballot because, as president, he was primarily in Washington D.C. and unavailable to vote in person. This occurred even as he continued to denounce mail-in voting, citing a need for exceptions such as being away from his residence.
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The explanation for casting a mail-in ballot in Florida boils down to a simple, yet revealing, assertion: “Because I’m president.” This statement, delivered by the former president himself, highlights a core aspect of his perceived status and the unique position he believes he occupies. It suggests an inherent sense of exceptionalism, where established norms and processes, particularly those related to civic duties like voting, might not apply in the same way to him as they do to the average citizen.
The implication is that his role as president grants him a different set of considerations, even for something as fundamental as casting a vote. This perspective seems to elevate his responsibilities and perhaps his security needs above the standard procedures available to everyone else. It frames his decision not as a matter of convenience or personal preference, but as a consequence of his high office.
This rationale also subtly implies a separation from the general populace. By choosing a mail-in ballot, he isn’t engaging in the same physical act of going to a polling station as other voters. This could be interpreted as a desire to avoid the crowds or the potentially more public nature of in-person voting, reinforcing a sense of being above the everyday experience of other citizens.
Furthermore, the statement seems to underscore a “rules for thee, but not for me” mentality. While advocating for specific voting methods or expressing concerns about others, his personal actions appear to follow a different set of standards. This selective application of rules, based on his perceived position, is a recurring theme that emerges when examining this specific justification.
The contrast with previous presidents who voted in person, even while in office, is stark. This comparison suggests that the “because I’m president” reasoning is not a universal presidential practice, but rather a specific rationale offered by him. It implies a departure from the precedent set by others who have held the same office, further emphasizing the uniqueness of his approach.
The underlying sentiment appears to be one of self-importance. The idea that his presidential status automatically exempts him or provides him with alternative means for participation in democratic processes speaks to a belief that he is inherently different and subject to different expectations. This is not just about casting a ballot; it’s about how the act of voting is perceived through the lens of his elevated status.
It also raises questions about the sincerity of his broader positions on voting. If he personally utilizes mail-in voting, while simultaneously questioning its integrity or advocating against it for others, it exposes a significant level of hypocrisy. The explanation “because I’m president” becomes a convenient shield, allowing him to circumvent the very systems he scrutinizes when applied to the general public.
The notion of being “special” or “better than everyone else” is a strong undercurrent in this explanation. It suggests a worldview where his individual circumstances, dictated by his perceived status, supersede the common good or the principle of equal participation. This personalized interpretation of presidential privilege, when applied to something as common as voting, is quite telling.
Ultimately, the explanation “because I’m president” serves as a concise, albeit self-serving, articulation of a deeply ingrained belief in his own exceptionalism. It suggests that the rules of engagement for the ordinary citizen do not necessarily apply to him, particularly when it comes to exercising his right to vote, thereby creating a distinct class of citizen even within the democratic framework.