Donald Trump posted more than 50 times on Truth Social over about three hours late Monday into early Tuesday, lashing out at political opponents and repeating false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The posts targeted Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Hakeem Jeffries, JB Pritzker and the New York Times. Several messages called Obama a traitor or a demonic force and urged that he and other critics be arrested or prosecuted. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Trump also posted AI-generated memes and doctored images, including altered pictures involving the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. He criticized the New York Times over its reporting on the renovation project, and one of his posts defended the work as “not just a paint job” but “a deeply complicated work of smart and beautiful construction.” [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The online barrage came as Trump was en route to China for a summit or high-stakes talks with Xi Jinping. It also came amid public scrutiny of his health and during an economically damaging impasse tied to the war with Iran. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Trump shared at least two original posts signed “President DJT,” including one about talking with Cuba and another defending the reflecting pool renovation. Former FBI director James Comey said on CNN that Trump did not seem okay and that the late-night posts seemed crazy, adding: “He doesn't seem okay to me — and I know that sounds like a political shot. It seems like there's something wrong with the man.” [2, 4, 5]
The backlash came as a recent Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll found 59% of respondents said Trump lacked the mental capacity to lead the country and 55% said he was not physically fit. The White House said Trump is scheduled for a physical and dental checkup on May 26 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. [2, 4, 5]
