Donald Trump took his “make America safe” message to Melbourne, Florida Saturday to rally support for his agenda and, while he was there, once again attempt to squish the media under his thumb.
Just a month into his turbulent presidency, Trump spoke in front of an estimated 9,000 of his supporters in what many on social media are calling a campaign-like rally. Among his apparent objectives were blasting international trade, slamming the judges who ruled his travel ban as unconstitutional and, oh yeah, focusing his ire once again (yawn) at the media.
“I want to speak to you without the filter of the fake news,” he told the cheering crowd, then adding, “When the media lies to the people, I will never let them get away with it. I will do whatever I can so they don’t get away with it. They have their own agenda and their agenda is not your agenda.”
With every mention of the “dishonest media,” the attendees turned to the press box and booed.
Social media quickly took note and asked what the purpose was for such a rally… a question which was answered a number of times.
I can't wrap my head around the purpose of the #TrumpRally. Didn't you just become president like a month ago???
— Sarah Edmiston (@EdmistonSarah) February 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/Warren94582/status/833100672060968960
Did taxpayers just pay for a campaign rally? #TrumpRally
— Teresa Wang 🏳️🌈 王元瑞 (@tewang32) February 19, 2017
#TrumpRally only reason he's rallying is he's losing control and he needs to be adored…..a true narcissist
— eddie (@eddy36) February 18, 2017
#TrumpRally aka the please make me feel good about myself again rally?
— G (@Leftleg5) February 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/SoggyTrumpCard/status/833100460735209472
I started subconsciously humming "Ramblin' Man" during the #TrumpRally.
— OhDunnoWho (@OhDunnoWho) February 18, 2017
If Trump was doing things even half decently he wouldn't need a rally. #TrumpRally
— david white (@davidwhite020) February 18, 2017
Not to be left out were his supporters, who didn’t come out in quite the number as his detractors did.
https://twitter.com/WakeUpCanada1/status/833100623918858244
Trump called out the fake news media, global elite, & dems! Thank GOD we have a president who fights for the American people! #TrumpRally.
— Makada (@_Makada_) February 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/The_Dailey/status/833100299011252224
https://twitter.com/Eviljack80/status/833100268883566592
But the moment was not lost on Natasha Arnpriester, who realized that the Trump Rally and the National Drink Wine Day shared the spotlight Saturday.
#NationalDrinkWineDay and a #TrumpRally on the same day. Coincidence? I think not. pic.twitter.com/JubMxULglg
— Natasha Arnpriester (@NatashaArnpr) February 18, 2017