June 6, 2019

On the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, Trump Obsesses Over Media Coverage

“This is a time when we should be celebrating our president,” says GOP chairwoman.

Maxppp/ZUMA

For indispensable reporting on the coronavirus crisis and more, subscribe to Mother Jones' newsletters.

World leaders gathered in Normandy, France, on Thursday to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings—history’s largest amphibious military operation that is widely credited as the crucial turning point in the Allied victory during World War II. 

The day of international commemoration included honoring the last-remaining veterans from the great battle, many of whom were in attendance for the event in Normandy.

But for one world leader, the day of remembrance appeared to take a backseat to more personal matters. In the hours leading up to the ceremony, President Donald Trump continued his attacks on the media.

It was Trump’s fourth tweet since his arrival in the UK on Monday insisting that his trip had been going smoothly. “Could not have been treated more warmly in the United Kingdom by the Royal Family or the people,” he wrote the day before. In reality, tens of thousands, many holding signs emblazoned with slogans such as “DUMP TRUMP,” had marched across London earlier this week. As for the Royal Family, its younger members reportedly avoided posing for photos with Trump and his adult children.

While Trump’s performance on the international stage prompted some to call him “delusional,” others, including the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, appeared to share the president’s views.

“We are celebrating the anniversary, 75 years of D-Day,” Ronna McDaniel said during an appearance on Fox News. “This is a time where we should be celebrating our President, the great achievements of America, and I don’t think the American people like the constant negativity.”

Thank you!

We didn't know what to expect when we told you we needed to raise $400,000 before our fiscal year closed on June 30, and we're thrilled to report that our incredible community of readers contributed some $415,000 to help us keep charging as hard as we can during this crazy year.

You just sent an incredible message: that quality journalism doesn't have to answer to advertisers, billionaires, or hedge funds; that newsrooms can eke out an existence thanks primarily to the generosity of its readers. That's so powerful. Especially during what's been called a "media extinction event" when those looking to make a profit from the news pull back, the Mother Jones community steps in.

The months and years ahead won't be easy. Far from it. But there's no one we'd rather face the big challenges with than you, our committed and passionate readers, and our team of fearless reporters who show up every day.

Thank you!

We didn't know what to expect when we told you we needed to raise $400,000 before our fiscal year closed on June 30, and we're thrilled to report that our incredible community of readers contributed some $415,000 to help us keep charging as hard as we can during this crazy year.

You just sent an incredible message: that quality journalism doesn't have to answer to advertisers, billionaires, or hedge funds; that newsrooms can eke out an existence thanks primarily to the generosity of its readers. That's so powerful. Especially during what's been called a "media extinction event" when those looking to make a profit from the news pull back, the Mother Jones community steps in.

The months and years ahead won't be easy. Far from it. But there's no one we'd rather face the big challenges with than you, our committed and passionate readers, and our team of fearless reporters who show up every day.

We Recommend

Latest

Sign up for our newsletters

Subscribe and we'll send Mother Jones straight to your inbox.

Get our award-winning magazine

Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights.

Subscribe

Support our journalism

Help Mother Jones' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation.

Donate

We have a new comment system! We are now using Coral, from Vox Media, for comments on all new articles. We'd love your feedback.