Fri, Mar 31, 2023
Newsweek
U.S.

Trump Slammed for Posting Photo of Himself on 9/11 Anniversary, But Obama Did it Too

By
U.S. Donald Trump Barack Obama 9/11

President Donald Trump posted a photo on social media Wednesday showing him and first lady Melania Trump solemnly standing on a balcony while overlooking a field to commemorate the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.

pic.twitter.com/WqBj8iMQhx

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2019

Even though Twitter was not kind to the president on Wednesday, he is not the first sitting president to post a photo of himself marking the anniversary. Barack Obama posted a commemorative photo showing himself on September 11, 2015.

The Obama photo shows him standing alone at the North Memorial Pool of the National September 11 Memorial in New York City while then-first lady Michelle Obama stands about three feet behind him, with former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush. That photo was taken in 2011 and handed out to the press by the White House.

"The events of September 11, 2001, left a permanent mark on the spirit of every American." —President Obama pic.twitter.com/oob3Hc0vmi

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 11, 2015

The terror attacks in 2001 happened during the first year of Bush's first term in office. The events of that day and following weeks and months gripped the nation. Every year since then, there has been a moment to reflect upon the tragedy by the sitting president.

It's nothing new for elected officials to post photos of themselves during momentous occasions, and it's nothing new for social media to blast them for doing so.

Trumps on 9/11
President Donald Trump posted this photo on social media Wednesday of him and first lady Melania Trump solemnly standing on a balcony and looking over a field as a way to commemorate the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Photo courtesy of The White House

Now, here is a sampling of the ribbing Trump took on Twitter:

  • "It's not all about you, shocking I know! This day is for all the victims, first responders , volunteers and their families!"
  • "Did you INTEND on looking like the Twin Towers? Gross."
  • "never forget that on 9/11, Donald Trump was bragging that he now had the tallest building in lower Manhattan"
  • "Hey, didn't you invite terrorists over this week, Don?"
  • "of course he has to make it about himself."
  • "So caring! So loving! True American Patriot! Thank you Mr. President for Protecting our Country!"
Obama 9/11 Memorial
U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush look out at the North Pool of the 9/11 Memorial during the tenth anniversary ceremonies of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center site, September 11, 2011 in New York City. New York City and the nation are commemorating the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people after two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and one crash landed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Photo by Kristoffer Tripplaar-Pool/Getty Images

Here are some of the comments that remain from Obama's tweet in 2015:

  • "The Marxist in Chief never misses a good photo op."
  • "I'd love to see you commemorate or celebrate anything in America without posting a picture of yourself. It's not about you."
  • "Obama = Narcissist (he loves himself more than anyone or anything else on earth)"
  • "Actually, ATTACKS brought heroes to life at events in NYC, DC, and PA. We were attacked! Perhaps post a memorial pic without @BarackObama."
  • "how ironic that vote on Iran nuclear deal falls on 9/11 anniversary. Your PLAN has come full circle!"
  • "Thank you Mr. President for remembering and Thank You for all your good work!!"
Request Reprint & Licensing, Submit Correction or view Editorial Guidelines