While Donald Trump went to Arlington National Cemetary to mark Memorial Day, his appearance is being overshadowed by something he tweeted earlier in the day. ABC News reports:
“The somber speech was a striking departure from a politically-charged tweet the president had sent out earlier surmising ‘those who died for our great country would be very happy and proud’ with his presidency, appearing to politicize what is typically observed as a solemn holiday.”
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
CNN’s Chris Cillizza criticized the President’s choice of words saying:
Donald Trump: Putting the “Me” in Memorial Dayhttps://t.co/WXFvOHPZok pic.twitter.com/XmBVwd5WvY
— Chris Cillizza (@CillizzaCNN) May 28, 2018
@realDonaldTrump, read a learn what an American leader feels and sounds like on Memorial Day.
Believe it or not, this day is not about you or your (mis)Administration.#MemorialDay https://t.co/rUyUAx5xBB— Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) May 28, 2018
Many people question this president, but it’s no small achievement to write the grossest, most inappropriate, most self-flattering Memorial Day message in the history of the US presidency https://t.co/t8JN7JNwdg
— David Frum (@davidfrum) May 28, 2018
On Memorial Day, the president takes some time to remember that dead soldiers are grateful to him. https://t.co/DZaGWlkm7q
— Josh Barro (@jbarro) May 28, 2018
Newsweek points out it wasn’t just Democrats taking issue with Trump’s Memorial Day message:
“The unconventional tweet was sandwiched between an earlier video message that solely praised the country’s veterans and a string of tweets that praised Fox News and railed against his political foes. The president visited Arlington National Cemetary on Monday, where he gave a more conventional speech. Still, critics, including some conservatives, pounced on the president for what many suggested were insensitive and tone-deaf remarks delivered via social media.”
My advice, FWIW: If you happen to have encountered this tweet, as I did–put it out of mind. There are so many appropriate expressions of respect and appreciation on this Memorial Day that deserve your attention, and that reflect well on the country. Attend to them. Ignore Trump. https://t.co/w5O7Ik0VUD
— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) May 28, 2018