‘A Deranged Lunatic’: Critics Slam Trump After Controversial Memorial Day Rant
While Memorial Day traditionally serves as a solemn occasion for Americans to honor the sacrifices of fallen service members, former President Donald Trump chose a very different path—using the day to unleash a fiery and deeply divisive political tirade.
A Sharp and Unexpected Attack
Instead of the usual tone of unity and reflection, Trump’s Memorial Day message exploded on social media in all caps, targeting the Biden administration with harsh words and bold accusations.
In a blistering post on Truth Social, Trump branded members of the current administration as “scum,” took direct shots at President Joe Biden, and condemned judges who have ruled against his policies — all while painting a grim picture of America’s immigration and border situation.
His message read in part:
“Happy Memorial Day to all, including the scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country through warped radical left minds who allowed 21 million people to illegally enter our country… criminals and the mentally insane… through an open border that only an incompetent president would approve…”
This combative tone echoed the style of his recent Easter message — steering far from calls for unity, instead reigniting cultural and political battles.
Honoring the Fallen at Arlington
Earlier that day, Trump attended the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery alongside Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In one of the nation’s most revered memorial observances, the trio addressed the crowd with reverence.
At Arlington, Trump shifted gears, delivering a heartfelt tribute to fallen heroes. He shared the poignant story of Corporal Ryan McGee from Fredericksburg, Virginia — a young soldier who served three tours in Afghanistan before being killed in Iraq at just 21. Trump acknowledged McGee’s mother, saying, “All of America shares in your grief and, more importantly, we share in your pride in your wonderful son.”
Reflecting on the sacrifices that shaped the nation, Trump praised the military’s valor, calling America “the freest, greatest and most noble Republic ever to exist on the face of the earth; a Republic that I am fixing after a long and hard four years.”
Controversy and Criticism: ‘A Deranged Lunatic’
However, the solemnity of Arlington was soon overshadowed by Trump’s return to familiar and fiery campaign rhetoric. He launched into a blistering condemnation of immigration policies, calling the border crisis a national catastrophe and reignited his feud with Harvard University. Trump also declared confidently that in a hypothetical second term, he “now has everything” — statements that quickly became fodder for critics.
Perhaps most inflammatory was Trump’s amplified post referring to President Biden as a “decrepit corpse,” which ignited a firestorm of outrage across social media platforms.
Many reacted with shock and disgust at what they called an inappropriate and disrespectful use of a day meant to honor the nation’s heroes. Descriptions ranged from “a deranged lunatic” to harsh denunciations of his timing and tone.
A Nation Divided
As Americans paused to remember those who gave their lives in service, Trump’s blend of tribute, personal attacks, and political posturing stirred intense debate. For some, it was classic Trump — blunt, unapologetic, and unfiltered. For others, it was a painful misstep that missed the solemn spirit of the day entirely.
So, what do you think? Did Trump cross a line, or was he just being himself?