Overview

• On Monday morning, Trump used his Truth Social platform to post an all-caps message labeling former President Biden and political rivals “scum” and federal judges “monsters” while blaming them for open-border policies.
• He later laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington and delivered remarks honoring fallen service members, citing personal stories of sacrifice by soldiers and Gold Star families.
• In his amphitheater address, Trump veered into self-praise by crediting divine timing for his return to office and highlighting upcoming events like the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
• The combination of a divisive social media tirade and a partly politicized tribute drew criticism across the political spectrum, with former RNC chair Michael Steele calling the post childish and futile.
• The episode highlights persistent tensions in Trump’s second term between partisan rhetoric and the traditional decorum expected during military commemorations.