President Donald Trump delivered a fiery speech at Mount Rushmore on July 3, 2026, denouncing what he called a "band of thieves, radicals and lunatics" who seek to "loot, pillage our nation." However, critics swiftly pointed out that Trump's description of communist behavior closely aligns with his own financial activities and those of his family since he returned to the White House last year.
Trump's Mount Rushmore Speech Draws Scrutiny
Speaking at the iconic monument, Trump invoked American sacrifices at battles such as Concord, Trenton, Gettysburg, Shiloh, Midway, and Normandy. He argued that these sacrifices were made to prevent communists from destroying the country. Yet, just days earlier, financial disclosures revealed that Trump earned more than $2 billion in the past year, a staggering sum that includes nearly $1.4 billion from his cryptocurrency ventures.
The Wall Street Journal editorial board criticized Trump and his family for "profiting off the presidency in ways that demean the office." The Journal specifically highlighted Trump's practice of buying stocks in companies just before his administration announced decisions favorable to those firms, a move that raises serious ethical concerns.
Hypocrisy Accusations Mount
As Trump railed against communists, social media users were quick to note the irony. One user posted, "Who is pillaging what now?" while another wrote, "Pretty on the nose here. Jesus Christ." Critics accused Trump of projecting his own behavior onto his political enemies. One commenter stated, "For once, you’re absolutely correct and you’re talking about yourself and your administration. You and your family never shed a drop of blood for this country."
The New York Times reported that while Trump pocketed billions from his crypto businesses, approximately 764,000 other cryptocurrency wallets suffered massive losses. This disparity further fueled accusations that Trump is enriching himself at the expense of ordinary Americans.
Inflation and Approval Ratings
Meanwhile, Americans are grappling with a spike in inflation, a problem Trump dismissed last month by saying, "I love the inflation." His approval ratings have plunged, and his party faces the risk of losing the House and possibly the Senate in the November midterm elections. In response, Trump has increasingly used the term "communist" to label his critics, reviving Red Scare tactics to rally his base.
Despite his rhetoric, many observers see Trump's actions as a clear case of hypocrisy. As one social media user put it, "He scammed billions from his cult and us too." Another added, "Yet here you are with your mob, busting out the joint."
Call for Impeachment
The backlash has been intense, with several users calling for Trump's impeachment and removal from office. One commenter wrote, "You need to be impeached and thrown out with your entire admin." Another referenced family military service, saying, "My ancestors... didn’t spill their blood for a kleptocratic authoritarian dipshit to pillage our money and piss on our allies."
Trump's speech at Mount Rushmore was intended to rally his supporters, but it has instead highlighted the growing disconnect between his words and his actions. As the midterms approach, the president's strategy of attacking "communists" may not be enough to shield him from scrutiny over his own financial dealings.
