Mixed Messages on Memorial Day On Memorial Day, a time meant to honor fallen service members, Donald Trump stirred controversy with a fiery social media post. While Americans gathered to pay tribute, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“Happy Memorial Day to all, including the scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country through warped radical left minds…”
He attacked the Biden administration, calling them “incompetent,” criticized judges, and labeled immigrants as “criminals and the mentally insane.” The harsh tone drew widespread criticism, with many accusing Trump of politicizing a solemn day.
Calmer Tone at Arlington Ceremony Later that day, Trump attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery alongside Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. His speech started with a respectful tribute to fallen soldiers, including Corporal Ryan McGee:
“All of America shares in your grief and, more importantly, we share in your pride in your wonderful son,” he told McGee’s mother.
He praised America’s military, calling the U.S. “the freest, greatest, and most noble Republic ever to exist.”
Politics Resurface in Speech Despite the respectful start, Trump shifted back to campaign topics, criticizing immigration policies and higher education:
“Who would let that happen?” he asked about the southern border. “People pouring through our borders unchecked…”
He also echoed a post referring to President Biden as a “decrepit corpse.”
Public Reaction Reactions were sharply divided. Supporters brushed off the criticism as typical Trump behavior, while others found his online post “disrespectful” and “tone-deaf.” Critics highlighted the contrast between his solemn speech and his aggressive social media message.
Donald Trump is a deranged lunatic who wouldn’t be allowed to manage a Wendy’s. But I guess we all have to pretend like this is normal and not 25th amendment behavior.
This is what's baffling about the "Trump wins because he talks like a normal person" argument: if anyone you knew went on a rant like this, you'd say, "Chill the fuck out, man." This is not what a normal person sounds like. pic.twitter.com/OnxOItuUEo
— James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) May 26, 2025
