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The president has been severely criticized for his latest response to the Florida school shooting. President Donald Trump gave a "thumbs up" during a photo shoot with police officers and medics that responded to the tragedy in Parkland, Florida, as well as hospital staff that has been treating the wounded survivors. After he posted the pictures Saturday, Trump was called "tone deaf" with "no empathy" on social media.
Trump not only posted the photos in a Twitter post, but he also made one of them his Twitter header photo. Now anyone who visits his pages sees it. He is flanked on both sides by law enforcement, has his thumb straight up with a huge grin spreading across his face.
Wisconsin Representative Mark Pocan, a Democrat, tweeted, “How can you stand there smiling and give a thumbs up when 17 Americans were killed in one of the nation’s deadliest school shootings? Where is your courage to stand up to the @NRA, @realDonaldTrump?"
Neither Trump nor the White House has responded to the criticism of the photos. In the tweet with the photos, Trump wrote, "Our entire Nation, w/one heavy heart, continues to pray for the victims & their families in Parkland, FL. To teachers, law enforcement, first responders & medical professionals who responded so bravely in the face of danger: We THANK YOU for your courage!"
This is not the first criticism the president has received following the shooting in which 17 people were killed by a former student at the school. Another 15 people were injured and five of them sustained life-threatening injuries.
Survivors have written to the president on Twitter, asking that he "do something" about school shootings like pass gun control legislation. "Do something instead of sending prayers. Prayers won't fix this," one teen wrote.
Now, following these photos, the criticisms continues.
2) It Became His Header Photo
He's surrounded by law enforcement on both sides.
3) A Comparison To Obama's Reaction
Klaas said in a reply that he was "highlighting Trump’s consistent tone deafness after tragedies."
5) "Like He's At The Grand Opening Of A Car Lot"
Not the most presidential description.
6) "MAGA!"
Perez Hilton describes the president as "thumbs up and all smiles."
7) "Important That You Look Respectful And Solemn"
An imagined conversation between the president an aide.
8) "Doesn't Look Like You're Heart Is Too Heavy"
"Seems like you’re just excited to be in front of the cameras," Misha Collins writes with the hashtag #doSomething.
9) Comparing The Typical Reaction
"Most of us have been distraught," writes the Twitter user.
10) It's His Stable Genius Routine
James Felton also criticizes the idea of just "thoughts and prayers."
11) The Photo Ops
Robert Schooley says the thumbs up are "like you are presenting a golf trophy."
12) "Like He's At A Super Bowl Party"
"No empathy," writes Jason Starr. "These pictures shouldn’t have been taken, no less posted."
13) "Like You Just Had A Great Dinner"
This Twitter user says he's a "disgusting, emotionless, phony person."
16) A Guide On What Not To Do
Another imagined dialogue before the photos were taken.
17) A Hidden Message
Jason Miller wrote the thumbs up are "for the NRA, Congressional Republicans and their allies," to tell them, "We're all good. Thumbs up!"
18) Trump At Other Historical Tragedies
This user posted photos of Trump photoshopped into other tragic moments in history.
19) "Defies All Sense"
Clara Jeffery called it "rock bottom narcissism."
It seems that the positivity wasn't saved solely for the cameras. Trump had good words to say to all those involved. "What a great job you've done, and we appreciate it very much," Trump told law enforcement. "Everybody is talking about it."
As for the medical staff's handling of the tragedy. "It's an incredible thing," Trump said at the hospital. "I want to congratulate them."
And maybe give them a thumbs up.
