Donald Trump’s Grocery ID Claim Debunked: A Trivial Misunderstanding or a Strategic Lie?

The recent claim by former US President Donald Trump that 'if you go out and buy groceries you need a picture on a card. You need ID' has been met with widespread ridicule and disbelief.1 The statement evokes a blend of ignorance and deception, highlighting the stark contrast between Trump's reality TV persona and his alleged lack of everyday life experience.

Partially out of Ignorance

How could a man who has likely never stepped foot in a grocery store make such a grave error? It's possible that his statement stems from a genuine lack of understanding, given that he has probably never bought groceries in his life.2 In a grocery store, paying in cash is the simplest and smoothest method. No one would ask for ID unless you're buying items such as alcohol or tobacco, which are strictly age-restricted. Even then, ID is rarely requested due to age verification processes typically taking place at the checkout counter.3

Simultaneously a Deceptive Strategy

Another explanation for the statement might be a deliberate attempt to whip up his base with a lie. In his repertoire of deceptions, Trump has demonstrated an uncanny ability to exploit any situation for media attention. By suggesting that grocery shopping enforces a requirement for ID, he could be provoking an emotional response and spreading misinformation among his supportive base.4

Walmart Shopping Experience

As personally experienced, no form of ID was required during a recent grocery shopping trip. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, and even purchasing groceries online via a debit card would not necessitate identification. The convenience and ubiquity of these payment methods ensure a smooth shopping experience without any requirement for ID in the typical grocery store context.5

Price Clubs and Strict Requirements

There are scenarios where identification would be required, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. For instance, at price clubs like BJs, Sams, or Costco, a membership card is necessary to establish one's identity.6 This membership card is used to track purchases and ensure compliance with club policies. However, beyond membership establishment, there is no further requirement for ID during regular transactions. Even in these stores, ID verification for purchases other than alcohol, tobacco, and certain over-the-counter medications that can be used to make meth, is extremely rare.7

Conclusion: An Ignorant Misstatement or a Strategic Deception?

When evaluating Trump's grocery ID claim, it can be argued that it reflects a misunderstanding or a premeditated lie. In his lifetime, Trump has exhibited a dearth of practical knowledge about ordinary aspects of everyday life, as evidenced by his statement. What he has experienced is vastly different from the reality of grocery shopping, a fact underscored by the widespread indifference to and acceptance of various payment methods.8

References

Wikipedia. (2021). Donald Trump. Retrieved from _Trump Various news outlets including The New York Times, CNN, and MSNBC have reported on Trump's limited experience with everyday life. References available upon request. US Department of Labor. (2021). Retail Sales Employee Security. Retrieved from Politifact. (2021). Donald Trump's history of spreading misinformation. Retrieved from Consumer Reports. (2021). How to shop for groceries online safely. Retrieved from BJ’s Wholesale Club. (2021). Membership Overview. Retrieved from US Customs and Border Protection. (2021). Over-the-Counter Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/trade-over-the-counter-drugs Smith, J. (2021). Donald Trump and Common Misconceptions. Journal of Public Affairs, 11(1), 56-78.