In recent years, the chosen dictionary phrases of the year have often been criticized for being bland and out of touch. Some of the latest additions like “rage bait,” “parasocial,” and “vibe coding” seem like they were randomly picked by someone trying to capture the current cultural mood but missing the mark.
If there is a term that truly encapsulates this year, it could be “Trump grovelling.” It’s likely a phrase that resonated with many individuals throughout 2025, expressing sentiments like “all this Trump grovelling is nauseating.”
Since his inauguration day, tech moguls shamelessly sought favor from him, turning cabinet meetings into displays of extreme flattery reminiscent of medieval courts, where loyalty to the king was paramount. Notable figures like Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff went as far as saying, “Mr. President, working for you is the greatest honor of my life,” all to receive a nod of approval from the Convict-In-Chief.
It wasn’t just Americans engaging in sycophantic behavior towards Trump. Leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and FIFA President Gianni Infantino also showered him with exaggerated praise, showcasing a global trend of appeasing the former President.
Even influential figures like Nato General Secretary Mark Rutte and UK’s Keir Starmer resorted to flattery, demonstrating a willingness to degrade themselves in exchange for Trump’s approval. However, as the year comes to a close, there is a glimmer of hope, particularly from unexpected sources like the BBC.
Trump’s recent demand for a hefty fine against the BBC for alleged defamation should be met with a strong response. The BBC should consider countersuing him for defamation, especially considering the damage caused to their reputation by his false accusations.
While American critics believe Trump is using the BBC incident to divert attention from other issues, such as the Epstein files and economic challenges, the BBC should stand firm and hold him accountable for his actions. The House of Representatives January 6 Committee has already accused him of several crimes related to the Capitol Hill insurrection, further emphasizing the need for accountability.
It’s time for the BBC to take a stand against Trump’s manipulative tactics. By pursuing legal action, they can send a strong message that no one, not even the most powerful individual, is above the law.
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