On the 50Th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, millions across the United States honored one of the greatest leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. After Donald Trump tweeted out his thoughts, some were not impressed.
Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Earlier this year I spoke about Dr. King’s legacy of justice and peace, and his impact on uniting Americans. #MLK50 Proclamation: https://t.co/XXtPO0VX5A pic.twitter.com/SH0esMSyMT
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 4, 2018
Trump on MLK
It was on March 29, 1968 that Martin Luther King made his way to Memphis, Tennessee to support African-American union workers that had been on strike for the previous two weeks.
Days later on April 3, King gave his "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech before making his way back to his room. Less than 24 hours later at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, James Earl Ray assassinated King with a gun shot. The news sent shock-waves throughout the United States, leading to a famous speech announcing the news by Robert F. Kennedy, who was ironically assassinated just months later while running for president. Since then, King's legacy lives on and has been embraced and honored by the country each year.
In recognition of the anniversary of Martin Luther King's death, Donald Trump tweeted out a message, while also attaching a video clip of himself elaborating. "Today we honor Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assassination,"Trump tweeted. "Earlier this year I spoke about Dr. King’s legacy of justice and peace, and his impact on uniting Americans," he added. "On this cherish day, we honor the memory of Rev. King," Trump said in the video. "I ask every citizen in remembering this great American hero...God Bless the memory of Rev.
King and God bless the United States," he concluded.
MLK backlash
In response to Donald Trump's tweet about Martin Luther King, many Americans weren't impressed. "Dr. King would be ashamed that America elected a racist demagogue like Donald Trump," one tweet read.
Dr King would have seen what an impoverished man you are and pitied you. More than you deserve.
— Zaza Chilvers (@ZazaChilvers) April 4, 2018
You’re so fake ! Hypocrite. You can honestly believe your words ?! Why even bother mentioning him when you mean none of it. You’re dividing Americans.
— H. (@hlw_2604) April 4, 2018
Hell be turning in his grave at this tweet.
— Pumpedup Trump (@PumpedupTrump) April 4, 2018
"You do a disservice to MLK’s legacy," a Twitter user wrote.
"Uniting Americans. Something you have made no effort to do," an additional tweet added. "Hell be turning in his grave at this tweet," a tweet noted.
and what he accomplished you would are trying to undo ..... 'so many good people on both sides' one of your most repulsive comments ever.... it will never be forgotten.
— MaryDerrickArt (@maryderrickart) April 4, 2018
Oh please, you would’ve called the guy who shot him a “very fine person.” You’ve been racist your whole life.
— Sarah Wood (@sarahwoodwriter) April 4, 2018
Way to flip this around to be about you.
— Charlie Tague (@charlie_tague) April 4, 2018
"Dr King would have seen what an impoverished man you are and pitied you. More than you deserve," a social media user wrote.
"Oh please, you would’ve called the guy who shot him a 'very fine person.' You’ve been racist your whole life," a tweet stated. "And what he accomplished you would are trying to undo .....'so many good people on both sides' one of your most repulsive comments ever.... it will never be forgotten," a follow-up tweet read.
