Outrage After Trump Says ‘That’s Too Bad’ When Asked About 10 Missing Sailors in Destroyer Collision
Two Hours Later Trump Sends ‘Thoughts & Prayers’
Ten sailors are missing, and at least five are injured after the USS John S. McCain collided with a massive oil tanker Sunday night near Singapore. A search and rescue mission is underway after the accident, which occurred at 5:24 am local time, when it was still dark.
Initial reports indicate #USSJohnSMcCain damaged to port side aft. Extent of damage and injuries being determined. https://t.co/dpMFyiG6H4
— 7th Fleet (@US7thFleet) August 21, 2017
The Washington Post describes the tanker as a merchant ship “more than three times the size of the McCain.”
Our first priority is determining the safety of the ship and crew. As more information is learned, we will share it. https://t.co/E7j7CvKE2b
— Adm. John Richardson (@CNORichardson) August 21, 2017
The Post adds that “President Trump, returning to the White House on Sunday night, responded to reporters’ questions about the collision by saying: ‘That’s too bad.'”
This from the Voice of America reporter who asked Trump about the accident:
In response to my question about the USS John S. McCain collision @POTUS at @WhiteHouse South Portico replies “that’s too bad.†pic.twitter.com/G6CK0E8y8Y
— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) August 21, 2017
The President’s staggeringly inappropriate remarks came just 24 hours before he will address the nation, at 9 PM EDT Monday night, to explain his plan going forward for Afghanistan and South Asia. It is expected he will send even more troops to the region, to continue a war that began two presidents ago, in 2001.
U.S. Senator John McCain:
Cindy & I are keeping America’s sailors aboard the USS John S McCain in our prayers tonight – appreciate the work of search & rescue crews https://t.co/jzk9giXbfg
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) August 21, 2017
Some responses to McCain’s tweet:
My sons ship. Scared too
— Julie Hudson (@35Jules) August 21, 2017
God Bless the crew of the USS John McCain. Please bring our shipmates home. Thank you @SenJohnMcCain for your prayers & leadership. https://t.co/hfxDDWLPH5
— Malcolm Nance (@MalcolmNance) August 21, 2017
Upon learning the president’s response, many are outraged.
New York Times White House Correspondent:
One explanation would be that he wasn’t fully briefed. His new CoS is a retired general so it seems less likely.
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) August 21, 2017
But regardless of whether or not he had been briefed, most would think a better response would be immediate concerned for the sailors and their families, and a promise to make sure everyone is taken care of.
Progressive Veterans group:
This is a joke. “That’s too bad” is more for your golf game not missing sailors @POTUS! https://t.co/etKpcKuu7R
— VoteVets (@votevets) August 21, 2017
Producer of “House of Cards”:
This is not a president.
This is a disgrace.#TrumpResign https://t.co/wSoHYsoFyd— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) August 21, 2017
Political writer:
“Best regards” to citizens injured and murdered by neo-nazis; “That’s too bad” about missing sailors serving our country. He’s a disgrace. https://t.co/wHyAJVHfxI
— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) August 21, 2017
HuffPost reporter:
Five U.S. sailors injured, 10 missing.
Trump: “That’s too bad.”
If that were Obama’s reaction, Fox News would scandalize it for a month.
— Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) August 21, 2017
Professor of international politics and diplomacy:
Are you f**king kidding me?! https://t.co/mnu2DugdtR
— Daniel W. Drezner (@dandrezner) August 21, 2017
President and Co-Founder of The New Agenda:
Trump’s response to 5 sailors injured, 10 missing after USS John S. McCain collides w/ a merchant ship:
“That’s too bad.”
NOT FIT TO LEAD!
— Amy Siskind (@Amy_Siskind) August 21, 2017
WIRED reporter:
other things Trump thinks are “too bad” pic.twitter.com/yWok7GDJzR
— Ashley Feinberg (@ashleyfeinberg) August 21, 2017
London School of Economics Fellow:
If Obama had done that, it would have been Fox News programming for months. They claimed he was unpresidential for using a selfie stick. https://t.co/ivTRAsI6sQ
— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) August 21, 2017
Two hours after making his remarks to the media, the president posted this tweet, but the damage was already done:
Thoughts & prayers are w/ our @USNavy sailors aboard the #USSJohnSMcCain where search & rescue efforts are underway. https://t.co/DQU0zTRXNU
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 21, 2017
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