Donald Trump is under fire for his peculiar interpretation of the Declaration of Independence. Recently, he gave an interview to ABC News’ Terry Moran, in which he reflected on his first 100 days as President. One particular response has left many bewildered.
Throughout the interview, Trump was eager to highlight his accomplishments since returning to the White House. However, when discussing the Declaration of Independence, his answer drew significant attention and criticism on social media platforms.
Trump commented: “It means exactly what it says, it is a declaration, it is a declaration of unity and love, and it means a lot.”
He added, “It is something very special to our country.”
For those who may not have paid attention during their American history lessons, Trump’s description misses a key point: the declaration is primarily a formal announcement of the Thirteen Colonies’ separation from Great Britain, not a symbol of peace but rather a bold statement of independence from the British Empire.
This misinterpretation did not go unnoticed on social media. One user shared a comedic sketch by Daily Show host Desi Lydic, mocking Trump’s statement, captioning it: “OMG I’M SCREAMING.”
Others on social media were quick to highlight that the document does not align with Trump’s portrayal of ‘love and unity’.
A Twitter user remarked: “Founding fathers: ‘King George is a tyrant! To arms!’
“Patrick Henry: ‘Give me liberty or give me death!’
“Trump: “Let’s write a love note.”
Another user commented: “Nothing wrong with love unity and respect, except that has nothing to do with the actual declaration of Independence.”
A third added: “[The Declaration of Independence] is like if someone wrote down a list of everything they hated about you and signed it OH BTW ALSO EAT A D***. Go read it.”
Another chimed in: “Imagine having the declaration of independence and never having read the declaration of independence. I remember memorizing that in the fifth grade. ‘We hold these truths to be self evident’ mother fkr. Sometimes I really don’t think he’s American.”