Donald Trump posted more than 50 messages late Monday ahead of a China trip, using doctored images and renewed attacks on rivals and former leaders. The posts—some of which contain unverified or false claims—coincided with public concern about rising living costs tied to the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. Trump also criticized The New York Times over a $6.9 million reflecting-pool contract and rebuked conservative justices who opposed his tariff agenda.
Trump's Late-Night Social Media Barrage Ahead Of China Trip Amid Iran Conflict
Trump also called for the prosecution of his political opponents.Photograph: Kent Nishimura/AFP/Getty Images(Photograph: Kent Nishimura/AFP/Getty Images)
Donald Trump launched a late-night torrent of posts on his social channels, publishing more than 50 messages in a roughly three-hour span as he prepared to depart for high-stakes talks in China with President Xi Jinping. The posts ranged from doctored images and attacks on political rivals to renewed claims about the 2020 election and criticism of media reporting.
What He Posted
On his Truth Social platform, the president promoted posts that included an altered image of himself on a $100 bill, doctored photos showing Barack Obama, President Joe Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, and messages accusing Obama of plotting a coup. Many of those claims are unsubstantiated or false. Trump also criticized The New York Times after it reported a $6.9 million contract to restore the reflecting pool was quickly awarded to a company that previously renovated a swimming pool at his Virginia golf course.
Context And Reactions
The online surge came as millions of Americans face rising living costs that analysts and officials tie in part to the broader economic effects of the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. Earlier on Monday, Trump signaled support for measures intended to curb a sharp rise in fuel prices.
Despite campaigning against "endless wars," Trump has presided over a lengthening timeline of the Iran-related conflict, which began after US and Israeli strikes in late February; he recently said a proposed ceasefire with Tehran was "on life support." He also repeated false claims about the 2020 election and publicly rebuked conservative Supreme Court justices he appointed — including Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett — after they opposed his tariff proposals.
Trump: "Gorsuch is a really smart and good man, but he voted against me, and our Country, on Tariffs, a devastating move. How do I reconcile this? ... Amy Coney Barrett ... have hurt our Country so badly!"
Why It Matters
The episode underscores ongoing domestic political tensions and the role of social media in shaping public debate ahead of a consequential diplomatic trip. It also highlights how international conflict and domestic policy disputes are affecting public discourse and economic concerns at home.
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