How President Trump Turned Memorial Day into a Political Spectacle

One would imagine that Memorial Day might offer a brief pause from political chaos. A chance, perhaps, for quiet reflection. A rare moment to remember sacrifice rather than stir division. For many, it is an emotional day. Families gather to honour those they have lost. Entire communities come together in solemn gratitude for the lives given in service. It is a time for silence, not shouting. But President Donald Trump, now in his second term, had other plans.

Instead of honouring fallen soldiers with dignity or grace, the President took to Truth Social with a post so brazen and combative it left many wondering if he even remembers what Memorial Day is meant to signify. His message, written in capital letters and boiling with fury, launched attacks not only at political rivals but at entire swathes of the country itself.

It began with a distorted greeting. Then came the accusations. The scorn. The conspiracies. A day set aside for remembrance became just another opportunity for grievance.

What Memorial Day Is Supposed to Be

Memorial Day, for most Americans, is not about politics. It is a day to honour those who died while serving in the military. Flags are lowered. Flowers are laid. Speeches are usually simple, even sombre. Past presidents have treated the day with a certain humility. Reagan spoke of freedom’s price. Obama called it a time to remember “the best of America.”

But Trump? He used the moment to lash out.

The Outburst

“HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL,” he began, “INCLUDING THE SCUM THAT SPENT THE LAST FOUR YEARS TRYING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY…”

From there it spiralled. He blamed judges. He claimed twenty one million undocumented migrants had entered the country. He said many of them were criminals or mentally unwell. He warned that the country was being overrun. It was, as usual, difficult to keep track.

The figures were invented. The tone was hostile. The message was unmistakable. Trump was not commemorating anything. He was campaigning. Loudly. Furiously. On a day that should have been about anything but him.

False Claims, Real Consequences

The number he cited is not grounded in reality. There is no credible source that places illegal entries at twenty one million. Government data suggests a far lower figure, even accounting for repeat crossings. Independent analysts have said the number is wildly exaggerated.

The suggestion that immigrants are, by default, violent or mentally unstable is not just incorrect. It is irresponsible. Studies across the board have shown that immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born citizens. Repeating such myths only fuels fear and division.

As for the notion that judges are somehow conspiring to protect dangerous criminals, there is simply no evidence. Judges follow the law. They do not operate at the whim of political parties. To suggest otherwise is to erode trust in the very system meant to protect people’s rights.

A Pattern, Not an Exception

This is not a one-off. Trump has often used national events to settle scores. He turns moments of unity into chances to inflame division. Where others offer comfort, he delivers accusation. Where others pause, he shouts.

His speeches often place blame rather than accept it. He has portrayed political opposition as sabotage. He casts the media as enemies. He uses patriotic imagery while encouraging distrust of institutions built to uphold democracy.

The Chilling Echoes of History

This language has been used before. Not just in America, but elsewhere. Leaders with authoritarian instincts have long relied on fear and exaggeration to build loyalty. In Germany during the thirties, Hitler painted dissent as treason and cast immigrants as a threat to survival. In Venezuela, Chávez used similar tactics to weaken the courts and silence critics. In modern Turkey, Erdoğan has labelled opposition voices as national enemies to justify increased control.

In each case, what began as rhetoric eventually shaped reality. Institutions were weakened. Press freedom declined. Public fear increased. The line between fact and fiction blurred.

Why This Cannot Be Ignored

A message from the President is not just noise. It has reach. It shapes opinion. It can lead to harassment. It can legitimise conspiracy. When the most powerful voice in the country spreads falsehoods and targets judges, immigrants and political opponents, it signals to others that this behaviour is acceptable.

Trump did more than post a rant. He hijacked a day of remembrance. A day meant to honour heroes, the fallen and all who served was turned by him into a day about himself. About his anger. His enemies. His endless grievances. That should disturb anyone, whether they support him or not. It speaks volumes about what kind of person he is. No one should accept this kind of behaviour. No one should allow Memorial Day to become a stage for self-promotion and spite. Not from anyone. Especially not from a President.