Spotted in: ABC’s This Week, May 18, 2025
Topic: Qatar’s $400M gift of a 747 jet for use as Air Force One
Frame Used: The Deflection Stack (Layered Spin)
KARL: “What do the Qataris expect in return for a $400 million present to the United States?”
WITKOFF: “It’s a perfectly legal transaction… Governments exchange services… The president has done an incredible array of wonderful deals… They decided to donate because of all the wonderful things we’ve done for them… I’m not sure how anyone would see this as the Qataris looking to gain some sort of advantage… It just has to be seen that way.”
What This Frame Does
When pressed on whether a massive foreign gift carries expectations or strings attached, United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff doesn’t answer the question.
Instead, he builds what we’re calling The Deflection Stack—a rhetorical sequence of spin that appears to offer clarity but actually moves you further from the original concern.
Each layer is designed to neutralize skepticism. Here’s how he did it:
1. Normalize it
- It’s a perfectly legal transaction.
- This happens in the normal course of politics… throughout our existence.
Translation: Nothing unusual. Don’t question it.
2. Say we earned it
- They decided to donate something because of all the wonderful things that we’ve done for them in the past.
Translation: We earned this. It’s not a bribe—it’s a thank-you.
3. Shift to praise
- The president has done an incredible array of wonderful deals… all kinds of opportunities for this country.
Translation: Focus on Trump’s success, not foreign influence.
4. Shut it down
- It just has to be seen as good for America.
Translation: There’s only one correct interpretation—don’t overthink it.
Why It’s Spin
This is classic spin—but with structure. The Deflection Stack structured so:
- Each layer sounds reasonable in isolation
- The shift from “Is this appropriate?” to “Look at the benefits” feels safe
- It closes with a tone of certainty, making disagreement feel irrational or unpatriotic
It’s not a single argument—it’s a sequence of reframes designed to preempt doubt, recode motive, and flood the zone with contextless positivity.
Takeaway for Communicators
When someone builds a Deflection Stack:
- Trace it back to the original question: What was asked, and what got dodged?
- Separate the layers: Legal ≠ ethical. Normal ≠ harmless. Praise ≠ proof.
- Don’t argue the top layer—call out the stack itself.
Frame Title: The Deflection Stack
Core Move: Layered reframing to avoid scrutiny
Main Function: Shifts focus from motive to legitimacy, normalcy, and praise