DAVID MARCUS: Trump should bring back Anno Domini and make 'Common Era' a woke footnote

Fox News - Mar 31st, 2025
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Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and OutKick contributor, appeared on 'The Story' to discuss President Donald Trump's potential executive actions concerning the labeling of historical eras. The discussion centers on Trump's interest in restoring the use of 'Anno Domini' (AD) instead of 'Common Era' (CE) in federal government documents and publications. Advocates argue that AD carries significant historical and cultural weight, reflecting the timeline based on the life of Jesus Christ, while critics of CE assert that it attempts to erase Christianity's influence on Western civilization.

The proposed change is seen as part of a broader debate over the role of Christianity in public life and academia. Proponents of AD argue that Christianity is a foundational element of Western civilization and should be preserved in historical narratives. Critics of the change fear it may lead to accusations of censorship and the imposition of religious beliefs on academic and public discourse. This debate reflects ongoing tensions between progressive and conservative ideologies regarding historical representation and the role of religion in society.

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RATING

3.4
Unfair Story
Approach with caution

The article presents a provocative perspective on the use of 'Common Era' (CE) versus 'Anno Domini' (AD), framing it as part of a broader cultural struggle against progressive ideologies. While the topic is relevant to ongoing debates about historical interpretation and cultural identity, the article's effectiveness is limited by its lack of balanced perspectives and supporting evidence. The strong opinion-based language may engage readers who share the author's viewpoint but risks alienating those seeking a more nuanced exploration of the issue.

The article's potential impact is constrained by its reliance on opinion rather than substantiated claims, limiting its ability to drive meaningful dialogue or policy changes. While it may provoke debate among certain audiences, the absence of diverse viewpoints and credible sources reduces its overall credibility and depth. Ultimately, the article serves as a reflection of a particular ideological stance rather than a comprehensive analysis of the issue at hand.

RATING DETAILS

4
Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims that require careful verification. For instance, it asserts that the use of 'Common Era' (CE) has widely replaced 'Anno Domini' (AD) in historical works, suggesting a deliberate effort by progressive historians to diminish Christianity's influence. This claim needs to be substantiated with data or studies showing the extent of CE's adoption in academic and historical texts. Additionally, the article posits that progressive historians' preference for CE is motivated by a desire to erase Christianity from Western history, a claim that lacks direct evidence and relies heavily on interpretation and opinion.

The proposal that President Trump could issue an executive order to mandate the use of AD in federal documents is presented as a feasible action, but the legal and practical implications of such an order are not explored. The article also makes broad claims about the motivations of progressive historians without providing specific examples or citations from academic sources to support these assertions. Overall, while the article presents a clear perspective, its factual accuracy is undermined by a lack of supporting evidence and the need for verification of key claims.

3
Balance

The article predominantly presents a single perspective, strongly aligned with conservative viewpoints, particularly those critical of 'wokeness' and progressive ideologies. It lacks a balanced representation of differing opinions, such as those of historians who might support the use of CE for secular reasons. By framing the discussion as a struggle against leftist historians, it omits the broader academic debate about secularism and inclusivity in historical terminology.

The absence of viewpoints from historians or scholars who might provide a rationale for using CE over AD contributes to an imbalanced presentation. The article's language and tone suggest a clear bias, potentially alienating readers who might hold different opinions or wish to see a more nuanced exploration of the topic. This lack of balance limits the article's ability to engage a diverse readership and provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

5
Clarity

The article is written in a clear and direct style, making its arguments easy to follow. However, the clarity is somewhat compromised by the lack of evidence and the strong use of opinion-based language. While the author's perspective is unmistakable, the absence of supporting data and diverse viewpoints can lead to confusion about the validity of the claims.

The structure of the article is logical, with a clear progression of ideas. However, the use of emotionally charged language and rhetoric, such as 'bloody howls of censorship' and 'academic madness,' may detract from the neutrality and objectivity expected in a balanced news analysis.

2
Source quality

The article does not reference any specific sources or studies to substantiate its claims, relying instead on the author's opinions and interpretations. The lack of attribution to credible academic or historical sources weakens the article's reliability and credibility. Without citing authoritative voices or data, the arguments presented remain largely speculative and opinion-based.

Furthermore, the article does not include input from historians, educators, or other experts who could provide context or counterarguments. This absence of diverse and authoritative sources limits the article's depth and fails to provide readers with a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

3
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the basis for its claims and the methodology behind its arguments. There is no explanation of how the conclusions were reached or what evidence supports the assertions made. The author's motivations and potential biases are not addressed, leaving readers without a clear understanding of the factors influencing the article's perspective.

Additionally, the article does not clarify the context in which CE and AD are used in historical works or how these terms have evolved over time. By not providing this background information, the article limits readers' ability to critically assess the arguments presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-trump-should-bring-back-anno-domini-make-common-era-woke-footnote
  2. https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-president-trump-master-incendiary-common-sense
  3. https://www.foxnews.com/person/m/david-marcus
  4. https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-its-all-aid-no-wokeness-trumps-west-virginia-flood-response
  5. https://www.brownwoodnews.com