On the last Monday of May each year, people across the United States mark Memorial Day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the nation’s armed forces — a date that is also a day off work for many.
That context is why President Donald Trump’s early-morning posts on Truth Social drew heavy criticism, with several commentators describing the messages as “vile” amid complaints that he used the occasion to take partisan aim at Democrats.
“Happy Memorial Day to all, including the Dumocrats, who disrespect our Military and all of the tremendous success that it has had over the last year,” Trump wrote, adding: “God Bless those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. I love you all!”
The comments were part of a series of three posts in which Trump repeatedly used the nickname “Dumocrats.” In another message shortly after, he wrote: “The Dumocrats have BAD POLICY, AND BAD CANDIDATES. Other than that, they are doing quite well!”
The posting spree began at a time when many Americans were still asleep, with the first message going up at 6:15am.
Some readers said the tone was especially jarring given the day’s purpose. Memorial Day honors those killed in service, and commenters pointed to the scale of U.S. military losses since the Civil War as part of why they felt the moment should remain focused on remembrance rather than political attacks.
One infuriated user said: “Memorial Day should be about honouring fallen heroes and uniting the nation, not reigniting political divisions or insults.”
“Does he not realize that there are military folk who are Democrats?? It is HE who is disrespecting the military by being a s— commander in chief,” the MirrorUS reports another saying.
“Disgusting. He is no statesman. Just the most vile and embarrassing president this country has ever seen. By a lot,” another user said.
After the three Memorial Day-related posts, Trump also hinted again that an agreement to end the war against Iran could be nearing, while telling critics to “go home and rest,” adding that they “do nothing but create division and loss.”
“In other words, they are losers!” President Trump added.
Later, he travelled to Arlington National Cemetery for a Memorial Day commemoration and wreath-laying ceremony, accompanied by members of his cabinet and senior military officials.
But his earlier messaging continued to draw pushback, including from a veteran who spoke to the Daily Beast on Trump’s use of the holiday for political attacks. The Iraq war veteran said he believes Trump “hates the troops.”
Naveed Shah, who now heads the veteran’s advocacy group Common Defense, said: “Trump has demonstrated over and over again that he hates the troops.
“From calling the troops who died in WWI ‘suckers and losers,’ to mocking John McCain’s 5 years as a POW, to attacking the Gold Star Khan family, all the way back to 2016 when he lied about donating to Veterans groups.
“He has never missed a chance to dishonor the people he was never brave enough to stand beside.”