Declaring the 'Iran Excursion' over, former President Donald Trump took to social media late Friday night, posting 11 times in 41 minutes, according to a Daily Beast count. Among the posts was an AI-generated image depicting Trump grinning and giving a thumbs-up while reclining on a golden inflatable lounger in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, flanked by three top cabinet members.
White House Renovations and Pet Projects
Trump, who is renovating the White House pool with an 'American flag blue' surface at an estimated $1.5 million, also shared updates on the newly laid track. His posting blitz included a photo of himself on Mount Rushmore alongside Abraham Lincoln and another smirking while holding Uno cards, referencing his claims of having 'all the cards' in Iran negotiations.
Back in the Oval Office, Trump focused on making Washington 'beautiful again' for America's 250th birthday on July 4, even as U.S. debt surpassed the nation's total economic output. Courts blocked his plan for a 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom without congressional approval, so Senate Republicans proposed a $1 billion immigration enforcement funding package for White House security enhancements. Trump claimed the ballroom is 'a little bit ahead of schedule, right on budget' and dismissed cost concerns as 'a tiny' fraction of government spending.
Another pet project, the National Garden of American Heroes, has grown larger and more expensive, with plans for reflecting pools, dining facilities, and an amphitheater alongside 250 life-size statues. These alone could exceed the $40 million approved by Congress, according to a New York Times report. Trump also wants to paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building white for $7.5 million and build a 250-foot-tall 'Arc de Trump' in Washington at a cost of at least $100 million.
Promotions and Threats
As the PGA Tour returned to Trump National Doral in Miami, Trump posted a picture of a golden statue of himself captioned, 'The Real Deal – GOLD – At Doral in Miami.' He also promoted a UFC fight at the White House on Flag Day, June 14, his birthday, showing renderings of a 4,000-seat stadium being built for the event.
Amid rising fuel prices and economic woes, Trump issued another warning to Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, threatening 'bombing' at a 'much higher level and intensity' if they didn't agree. Despite U.S. and Iran trading strikes near the strait, Trump insisted a cease-fire remains intact while threatening more hits.
AI Memes and UFO Files
Trump posted AI-generated memes mocking predecessors Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well as Democratic leaders, labeling them with 'TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.' On Star Wars Day, he shared an image of himself in armor holding an American flag alongside Baby Yoda, captioned 'In a galaxy that demands strength – America stands ready.'
On Friday, the Pentagon released the first tranche of UFO/UAP files on Trump's orders, including observations by Buzz Aldrin and mysterious aerial phenomena. Trump commented, 'Whereas previous Administrations have failed to be transparent on this subject, with these new Documents and Videos, the people can decide for themselves, 'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?' Have Fun and Enjoy!'
With his job disapproval at 62% in a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, Trump continues to fuel conspiracy theories with a torrent of memes.
