Trump’s Speechwriters Failed to Save Memorial Day

Former Republican strategist Rick Wilson has sharply criticized Donald Trump’s recent Memorial Day address, arguing the speech was a jarring departure from traditional presidential observances and a testament to Trump’s self-absorption. In a new analysis published on Substack, Wilson expressed what he described as a surprising degree of sympathy for the White House speechwriters tasked with crafting remarks for the former president. He suggests their efforts to create a moment of national unity and solemnity were consistently undermined by Trump’s insistence on focusing on personal grievances.

Wilson dissected Trump’s Arlington National Cemetery speech, labeling it “repulsive” and devoid of the “solemnity” appropriate for honoring fallen service members. He points to the transcript as evidence of a clear disconnect between the intended message and the delivered remarks, noting attempts at graceful prose were lost amidst Trump’s digressions.

“There were lines intended to honor the lives of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Wilson wrote, “but Trump couldn’t stay in the moment.”

He contrasts Trump’s approach with that of a typical president, who, according to Wilson, would use Memorial Day to acknowledge national grief, recognize the cost of war, and offer solace to those who have lost loved ones. Instead, Wilson argues, Trump treated the occasion as another opportunity to air personal complaints and portray himself as a victim. He characterized the speech as an “audition for the role of martyr-in-chief.”

Wilson paints a vivid picture of a well-intentioned staffer arriving in Washington with aspirations of crafting historically significant speeches, only to find their carefully constructed words twisted and overshadowed by Trump’s ego. He suggests the staffer’s efforts were ultimately futile, as Trump consistently prioritized self-promotion over honoring the sacrifices of fallen service members.

The analysis underscores a recurring criticism of Trump’s presidency: his perceived inability to connect with national sentiment beyond a personal level. While the speech itself drew criticism from various quarters, Wilson’s perspective highlights the frustration felt by those who believe Trump consistently misses opportunities to provide genuine leadership and national unity. It’s a pointed commentary on the challenges of crafting a presidential message when the messenger appears unwilling to embrace the gravity of the occasion.