President Donald Trump sparked a heated response on Twitter following an early morning tweet about The Villages in Florida. In the Monday morning tweet, the president praised The Villages’ Mark Morse and Gary Lester for stepping “up to the plate” amid the coronavirus pandemic and vowed to visit the community, which he has visited in the past, “soon.”
Congratulations to all of my many friends at The Villages in Florida on having done so well, and with such great spirit, during these rather unusual times. So proud of everyone! Mark Morse & Gary Lester have really stepped up to the plate. Hope to see everyone soon.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 20, 2020
The president’s tweet came after Florida Politics reported on April 15 that more than 100 residents at The Villages had tested positive for the coronavirus after the community initially refused to cancel a number of events, such as club meetings. It also came as the state began to reopen beaches despite the number of coronavirus cases continuing to rise.
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As with many of Trump’s tweets in recent weeks, the Monday morning tweet sparked a heated response. With minutes, social media flooded the comments, many reacting to the way in which the president has handled the global pandemic. Keep scrolling to see some of the responses to Trump’s tweet.
Is this what you’re congratulating them for?https://t.co/01ZhaQqVKP
— Arlo Walker (@ArloTWalker) April 20, 2020
Most inept President of all time.
— Trump Hates Us All (@Adamtheactivist) April 20, 2020
If I was in The Villages I would leave as soon as possible. You just got the Trump Curse.
— Darryl Silver (@silveraa) April 20, 2020
Keep up the great work President Trump. We all appreciate it and stand with you.
— RD (@real_defender) April 20, 2020
“Congratulations” to Donald Trump, who failed to protect the 40,690 Americans who have died from COVID-19, so far. Trump’s failure to prepare America is now killing Americans. pic.twitter.com/jqB2KSPvNY
— Rob Wagner 😷😷🍸🍸 (@wagner_rob) April 20, 2020
When even the New England Journal of Medicine suggests Trump’s WhiteHouse is running a PPE blockade around which governors & hospitals have to navigate like blockade runners, it’s clear that Trump’s Covid response has entered the realm of political sadism https://t.co/SjD7fyDA2R
— Steven Greenhouse (@greenhousenyt) April 20, 2020
Ok. Give it a week pic.twitter.com/0oHMDh2dyt
— whamish2.0 (@wisconsinvotes1) April 20, 2020
Next. Trump is going to encourage them to go to the beach.
— Darryl Silver (@silveraa) April 20, 2020
Thank you President Trump pic.twitter.com/ZudNkq7Nit
— GermanyTRUMP🇺🇲🇩🇪 (@GermanyTrump) April 20, 2020
People are dying and grown ups are calling each other names over their political affiliation. That’s awesome and I’m so proud to show future generations what to look forward to as an adult.
— Alex (@19Lex89) April 20, 2020
Stop Airing Donald Trump’s Briefings!! Whose with me?! 😳
— Jules Morgan (@glamelegance) April 20, 2020
Residents of the Villages continued to have meetings, events etc..Many believed Trump and felt it was a hoax. Now they have the highest mortality rate in Florida 9.65%. Only 100 case on 4/15 but highest death rate in Florida and it’s only just begun. Congratulations for what?
— anna (@anna31559387) April 20, 2020
Thank you Mr. President. I don’t personally reside in The Villages but I know people there that appreciate your thoughtfulness. Please keep pushing forward. Millions of us are with you.
— Sam (@corvette2626) April 20, 2020
We need testing here! Help your friends and supporters at the villages. We need 100,000 test, and 125,000 antibody test!
— Old Sage (@OldwiseSage1) April 20, 2020