A post by Donald Trump on Truth Social on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a wave of critical reactions, many raising alarm or calling for intervention from political and media figures.
The post stated: “Tuesday will be a Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day and, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F**kin’ Strait, you crazy b**tards, or you’ll be livin in Hell- JUST WATCH! Praise to be Allah. President Donald J. Trump”
Many of the reactions pointed to the language and timing of the post, while others said it laid out intent to commit war crimes.
Khawaja Saad Rafique reacted with a religious and political message, writing, “The threats of the fascist President of the United States, Donald Trump, to impose war on the Iranians after the Palestinians and to destroy them is certainly inviting the wrath of Allah. This war has become a noose of defeat and humiliation around the necks of the Zionists and the American rulers.. The oppressors will surely be destroyed and become the fuel of hell …”
Journalist Mehdi Hasan referred to the post as one that should prompt intervention, while Piers Morgan wrote, “This is embarrassing, Delete it, President @realDonaldTrump – unless you want everyone to think you’ve lost your marbles.”
Dougie Kass, founder of Seabreeze Capital Partners, responded in a direct tone, arguing that the Strait of Hormuz had remained open prior to US actions, adding, “Excuse me Mr. President @potus @whitehouse but the F**kin’ Strait of Hormuz was F**kin’ Open for passage before you F**kin’ Started to engage in the bombing attack of Iran.”
Shahzeb Khanzada, a journalist, pointed to the possible fallout, noting that such threats, if acted upon, could push the situation towards wider conflict.
Yassamin Ansari, a US Representative from Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, in a strong response, wrote, “The 25th Amendment exists for a reason. The President of the United States is a deranged lunatic, and a national security threat to our country and the rest of the world.”
Melanie Stansbury, who represents New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District, echoed the sentiment, calling for action from within the government, stating, “The emperor has no clothes. Time for the #25thAmendment. Congress and the Cabinet must act.”
Omar Suleiman, a religious scholar responded with a religious remark, “Indeed. Praise be to Allah who will humiliate you in this life and the next.”
Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir criticised the language used in the post, describing it as not reflective of a democratically elected leader and calling it the language of a “ruthless dictator and a war criminal.”
Steven Beschloss, an American journalist, reacted with concern over the tone, writing, “This is an actual post. This is not funny. This is beyond desperate. This is a deeply unwell man who doesn’t belong anywhere near the levers of power. Every member of his cabinet and Congress is complicit in not demanding his removal now.”
Jim McGovern, a Democratic congressman, described the post as dangerous, writing, “This is psychotic. The President of the United States needs to get help. Totally unhinged and extremely dangerous.”
Chris Van Hollen, a Democratic senator, also criticised the post, writing, “Trump is clearly unfit to be President. But do not let that explain away the evil of his threatening war crimes against the Iranian people, on Easter Sunday no less. We cannot let Trump normalize this.”
One response, referencing the timing of the post on Easter, questioned members of the administration and linked the situation to the broader conflict involving Iran, raising concerns about civilian impact and policy decisions, while urging a shift away from escalation.
Democrat Bernie Sanders, in a critical response, wrote, “One month after starting the war in Iran, this is the statement of the President of the United States on Easter Sunday. These are the ravings of a dangerous and mentally unbalanced individual. Congress has got to act NOW. End this war.”
