On Monday night, a suspected suicide bombing took place at the Manchester Arena during a Ariana Grande concert. The following morning, Donald Trump offered his comments but was quickly hit with backlash across social media.
Trump on Manchester
Thousands of cheering Ariana Grade fans were having a wonderful time Monday night in Manchester, England until a bomb exploded at the arena. Within seconds, the once excited crowd was rushing to the exit as they ran to find cover. In the aftermath, at least 22 people were killed, with over 50 left injured, though those numbers could rise over the next 48 hours.
As of press time, local authorities believe that the person responsible was killed in the attack, with another arrested in possible connection to the bombing. Not long after the bombing took place, the Islamic State (ISIS) released a video taking credit for the Terrorist Attack, though no evidence has been made public to show that the group was directly responsible. In response, Donald Trump gave his thoughts during a May 23 press conference with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem.
US President Donald Trump describes those behind the Manchester attack as "losers" https://t.co/q9jC4mt3U2 pic.twitter.com/3RFDhs166z
— CNN (@CNN) May 23, 2017
"I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured in this terrorist attack and to the many killed and their families," Donald Trump said of the Manchester attack.
"So many young beautiful innocent people living and enjoying their lives murdered by evil losers in life," Trump continued.
Donald Trump on Manchester attack: Bombers are 'evil losers' https://t.co/0UeVBpisL2
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) May 23, 2017
Donald Trump went on to explain that he refused to call the terrorists "monsters," because he believes they would like that name.
"I will call them losers because that’s what they are, they’re losers," Trump continued.
Twitter reacts
Responding to Donald Trump's comments, and later his tweet on the matter, social media users were quick to offer their criticism. "Jesus my 3rd grader could have delivered a more appropriate and eloquent speech," one tweet read.
@CNN Wow, strong words, I'm sure he invented the term "losers"... He could call them "poopie-heads"... That would be an extremely crushing blow.
— Thomas Marsh (@thomasmarshart) May 23, 2017
"Evil losers in life." -Donald Trump
— LC (@RagstoRegan) May 23, 2017
Is he the president of a high school's senior class or our country? What a god damn idiot.
Donald Trump calling terrorists evil losers, somehow implies theres going to be a winner. There's no winners
— AW (@babyjohnpeel) May 23, 2017
"You are the one who caused this and it is because of your trip to Saudi and the weapons you sold to them!!!" another Twitter user wrote. "Thought Donald Trump had a great plan an unbelievable plan that was supposed 2 eliminate ISIS in his first 30 days?" an additional social media user wondered.
@CNN Considering he just sold 100B weapons to Saudi Arabia ( where the 911 attackers were from) you know in which hands these weapons will end up
— Rosie (@rhondaj123) May 23, 2017
@CNN This is supposed to be our leader? "Losers" is the best he can do??? The nation's English teachers bow their heads in shame🤦🏻♀️
— Siri (@kuxicat) May 23, 2017
@CNN Jesus my 3rd grader could have delivered a more appropriate and eloquent speech.
— Resist (@Time4The25th) May 23, 2017
"This is supposed to be our leader? "Losers" is the best he can do??? The nation's English teachers bow their heads in shame," a tweet noted. "Wow, strong words, I'm sure he invented the term 'losers'...He could call them 'poopie-heads'...That would be an extremely crushing blow," a Twitter user wrote. The negative reaction continued as it was made clear that critics of Donald Trump were not going to pull back anytime soon.