Former President Donald Trump’s Memorial Day message sparked controversy as he took the opportunity to not only honor fallen American troops but also compare his sacrifices to theirs in a self-indulgent manner. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wished everyone a happy Memorial Day but emphasized that he deserved special recognition.
Trump’s message stated, “HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL,” and then singled himself out, claiming to be particularly deserving of the wishes. He described those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country as well as those in the line of a different but equally dangerous fire, referring to himself and his efforts to combat what he perceives as threats from terrorists and internal forces seeking to overturn and destroy the country.
BUT ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THE COUNTRY THEY LOVE, AND TO THOSE IN LINE OF A VERY DIFFERENT, BUT EQUALLY DANGEROUS FIRE, STOPPING THE THREATS OF THE TERRORISTS, MISFITS AND LUNATIC THUGS WHO ARE WORKING FEVERISHLY FROM WITHIN TO OVERTURN AND DESTROY OUR ONCE GREAT COUNTRY, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN IN GREATER PERIL THAN IT IS RIGHT NOW. WE MUST STOP THE COMMUNISTS, MARXISTS AND FASCIST “PIGS” AT EVERY TURN AND, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
He went on to mention the need to stop what he labeled as communists, Marxists, and fascist individuals, using derogatory language to describe them. Trump concluded his message by invoking his “Make America Great Again” slogan.
While Trump’s Memorial Day message is highly unusual and self-centered, it is not entirely unprecedented. In 2018, he also sent out a tweet on Memorial Day that implicitly praised himself, highlighting what he saw as the positive state of the country under his leadership.
Happy Memorial Day! Those who died for our great country would be very happy and proud at how well our country is doing today. Best economy in decades, lowest unemployment numbers for Blacks and Hispanics EVER (& women in 18years), rebuilding our Military and so much more. Nice!
It is worth noting that Trump’s decision to host a golf tournament for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league at his Trump National Golf Club in Virginia over the Memorial Day weekend drew criticism. Some individuals, particularly those who lost family members on September 11, 2001, and in subsequent wars, expressed their disapproval of his choice to engage in such an activity on a day meant to solemnly remember and honor the sacrifices of fallen service members.
Happy Memorial Day! Those who died for our great country would be very happy and proud at how well our country is doing today. Best economy in decades, lowest unemployment numbers for Blacks and Hispanics EVER (& women in 18years), rebuilding our Military and so much more. Nice!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2018
