President Donald Trump is receiving criticism online for being perceived as ‘weak’ and ‘scared’ following his address to the nation after the US launched an attack on Iran.
On Saturday night (June 21), Trump ordered strikes on Iran’s significant nuclear facilities, celebrating the operation as a ‘success’ after it reportedly ‘obliterated’ the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan sites.
This military action was taken amidst increasing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, prompting reactions from key allies such as the UK, Japan, Australia, and France.
There is growing anxiety about the international consequences of these bombings, particularly regarding potential Iranian retaliation, as Iran has pledged a ‘decisive response’ to the US attack.
Iran’s apparent retaliation occurred today (23 June), as the country fired missiles towards US air bases in Qatar and Iraq.
The president is now under scrutiny for his manner of addressing the nation after the bombings, with comparisons being made to previous US leaders.
In a statement issued shortly after the confirmation of the strikes, Trump stated: “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror. Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success.
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace – if they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”
Following Trump’s global address, many individuals took to Twitter to analyze his body language and overall presentation.
The comparisons to other presidents, who have delivered similarly significant updates, were stark.
One Twitter user, sharing images of Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, commented: “I have never seen a US President that was so weak and so scared about taking military action that he needed his yes-man entourage to keep him company at the podium in the Cross Hall.”
During the address, Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood behind Trump.
Another Twitter user observed: “I think this is why Trump looked so uncomfortable during that very short speech. The ball is Iran’s court, he’s hoping it won’t spike it.”
A third noted: “Never seen President Trump so nervous. I think he fears Iran’s retaliation, possibly nukes?”
A fourth person added: “@realDonaldTrump looked scared and his tone is one of uncertainty! Even he doesn’t know what forces he may have unleashed and what his legacy will be if America is dragged into a broader war in #Iran!”
Following the unexpected attack, experts are voicing concerns about potential increases in oil and gas prices, as well as the threat of terror attacks from sleeper cells within the US. These sleeper cells are individuals already in the US who could act when directed by their government abroad.
Prior to Iran’s missile strike on US air bases today, Israel executed a fresh offensive on Iran, targeting ‘access routes’ to the Fordow nuclear site, which was hit by the US over the weekend.
Israel’s defense minister stated their attacks on Tehran are being carried out with ‘unprecedented force’, while Trump has recently suggested the possibility of a regime change in Iran.
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel executed a significant strike on Iran’s nuclear sites that resulted in the deaths of nuclear scientists and prominent military officials.
In response, Iran retaliated against Israel, leading to a series of reciprocal strikes between the two countries.
A number of countries around the world, including the UK, have called for de-escalation and urged Iran to enter negotiations.