Trump under fire for Memorial Day rant: Critics say he missed the moment

Former President Donald Trump sparked outrage on Memorial Day after using the solemn holiday to post a fiery political rant on social media, calling opponents “scum” and reigniting old feuds.

Memorial Day is a time when Americans pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in military service. It’s a day of unity, reflection, and gratitude. But former President Donald Trump’s all-caps post on Truth Social took many by surprise.

Instead of offering a traditional tribute, Trump turned the holiday into a political battleground. He used harsh words to criticize the Biden administration, judges, and immigration policies. In his message, he wrote:

“Happy Memorial Day to all, including the scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country…”

The post went viral almost immediately, with critics from across the political spectrum calling it disrespectful and inappropriate for such a meaningful day.

Honoring heroes at Arlington

Later that day, Trump appeared at Arlington National Cemetery alongside Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. There, he struck a more respectful tone.

He paid tribute to Corporal Ryan McGee, a young Marine from Virginia who died during his service in Iraq. Trump honored McGee’s courage and acknowledged the pain of his mother, Sherry, who was in the crowd.

“All of America shares in your grief and, more importantly, we share in your pride in your wonderful son,” he said.

Trump’s speech included stories of bravery and sacrifice, echoing the deep meaning of the day. For a moment, the political drama seemed to fade into the background.

But then — politics again

As the ceremony continued, Trump quickly returned to his usual talking points — blasting illegal immigration, attacking elite institutions like Harvard, and taking jabs at President Biden.

He described the current border situation as a crisis caused by “an incompetent president,” and shared strong words about criminals allegedly entering the U.S. He also repeated claims about fixing the country in his second term.

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.

People who treat this as acceptable are the insane ones. pic.twitter.com/6XmUg1vXLv

— Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) May 26, 2025

Trump even amplified a post calling Biden a “decrepit corpse,” fueling more backlash online.

The response to Trump’s Memorial Day message was swift and passionate.

Critics called the post unhinged, with some labeling him a “deranged lunatic” for turning a day of national mourning into a political sideshow. Social media platforms lit up with angry comments, saying Trump missed the point of the holiday entirely.

However, some supporters defended him. They argued that Trump was simply speaking his mind, as he always has, and that his frustration reflects what many Americans feel about the state of the country.

Memorial Day is one of the most sacred days on the U.S. calendar. For many families, it’s personal. It’s about remembering lost loved ones, not politics.

Trump’s post raised tough questions: Is it ever okay to mix political anger with national remembrance? Or does the First Amendment protect even the most controversial opinions — even on a day like Memorial Day?

Whether you agree with him or not, Trump’s message became part of the national conversation. It’s a reminder of how divided America remains — even on a day meant to unite.

Trump had the chance to rise above politics and speak to the heart of the nation. And for a brief moment at Arlington, he did just that. But by letting his political frustrations spill over into a holiday meant to honor the fallen, he may have missed an opportunity to truly connect with Americans across party lines.

Was it just Trump being Trump? Or should Memorial Day be sacred ground, free from political firestorms? Only time — and voters — will decide.