On Memorial Day 2025, former President Donald Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery to honor fallen U.S. service members, just hours after igniting criticism with a sharply political and inflammatory message posted on his Truth Social platform.

In a post shared early Monday morning, Trump lashed out at political adversaries, calling them “scum” and accusing them of undermining the nation. The message, written in all capital letters, included harsh words for members of the federal judiciary — labeling some as “USA hating” — and described President Joe Biden as “incompetent.” He also claimed, without evidence, that 21 million undocumented immigrants had entered the U.S. under Biden’s administration.

“Happy Memorial Day to all, including the scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country through warped, radical left minds,” Trump wrote, using the solemn day to air grievances rather than focus solely on honoring fallen troops. His tone drew immediate backlash from critics who viewed the post as disrespectful, particularly given Memorial Day’s role in commemorating military service members who died in defense of the nation.

Traditionally, Memorial Day is marked by respectful reflection and remembrance — not partisan attacks. Experts and veterans groups have long cautioned against using phrases like “Happy Memorial Day,” emphasizing instead the holiday’s somber and reverent nature.

Ceremony Amid Controversy

Despite the firestorm over his social media message, Trump proceeded with his visit to Arlington, participating in a wreath-laying ceremony — a custom he followed during his first three years in office. This year’s visit marked a return to tradition after his 2020 Memorial Day observance was held at Fort McHenry due to COVID-19 precautions.

Trump’s appearance comes just days after another politically tinged address — this time at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. There, he delivered a commencement speech that blended standard graduation themes with overt partisan messaging. Wearing a signature red “Make America Great Again” hat, Trump claimed credit for a new “golden age” of military leadership and took aim at diversity initiatives, arguing the armed forces should be focused solely on combat readiness.

“The job of the U.S. armed forces is not to host drag shows or spread democracy at gunpoint,” Trump said. “It’s to dominate any foe and annihilate any threat to America.”

The speech also veered into personal territory, as Trump offered unconventional advice to graduates about avoiding “trophy wives,” recounting a story of a friend who lost his fortune after marrying a much younger woman.

History of Political Moments on Memorial Day

This year’s social media post and Arlington visit are not the first times Trump has drawn criticism for politicizing solemn occasions. In 2018, during his first term, he tweeted a “Happy Memorial Day!” message that touted his administration’s accomplishments, stating that fallen soldiers would be “very happy” about how the country was doing under his leadership.

More recently, in August 2024, Trump came under fire after his campaign filmed a video at Arlington National Cemetery while visiting the graves of service members killed during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Army issued a rare public statement condemning the filming, noting that political activity on cemetery grounds is strictly prohibited. Although Trump’s team said they had permission from Gold Star families present, some footage reportedly included gravesites of service members whose families had not granted consent.

A Divided Tone on a Day of Unity

While Trump’s Arlington visit adhered to tradition, his earlier social media post undercut the unity and reverence typically expected on Memorial Day. His blending of personal grievances with a national day of remembrance has once again sparked debate about the boundaries between politics and patriotism.

As the 2024 campaign season heats up, Trump continues to embrace an unfiltered style that resonates with his base but regularly draws condemnation for blurring the lines between commemoration and campaigning. On a day meant to honor sacrifice, his latest message reminded many that America remains sharply divided — even in mourning.