Donald Trump just sent the internet into a frenzy after sharing a post that many are calling “terrifying.” The controversial message, posted on Truth Social, linked to an article featuring a crossed-out pink triangle—a symbol historically used by Nazis to label and persecute gay men during the Holocaust. Now, people are saying there’s no more hiding his ideology.
The Trump administration has already made waves with aggressive policies targeting the LGBTQ+ community. From declaring that “only two sexes” exist to signing a series of executive orders dismantling DEI initiatives and reinstating the transgender military ban, his stance has been clear. But this latest move? It’s leaving people in shock.
The post in question linked to a Washington Times opinion piece titled “Army recruitment ads look quite different under Trump.” The article praised the administration’s efforts to refocus military advertising on “lethality”—showcasing soldiers lifting 500 lbs—instead of so-called “Biden-era distractions” like inclusivity and Pride parades. But it’s the imagery in the article that has people talking: a red cross-out over the pink triangle, a symbol that carries a dark and painful history.
During the Holocaust, Nazis forced gay men to wear pink triangles in concentration camps, much like the yellow Star of David used to identify Jewish prisoners. Between 5,000 and 15,000 gay men were sent to the camps, with an estimated 65% perishing between 1933 and 1945. Even after the war, many survivors continued to face persecution, as anti-gay laws remained in place for decades.
In the years that followed, the LGBTQ+ community reclaimed the symbol, turning it into a powerful emblem of resistance and remembrance. The “Silence = Death” campaign during the AIDS crisis further cemented its significance. Seeing the symbol crossed out and amplified by a former U.S. president has understandably sparked widespread outrage.
Social media erupted with responses:
- “This isn’t just a dog whistle—it’s a blaring alarm. Trump knows exactly what he’s doing.”
- “The pink triangle was used to label LGBTQ+ people for extermination. And Trump shared this? Let that sink in.”
- “LGBTQ+ soldiers have fought and died for this country. Their queerness doesn’t make them any less brave, strong, or honorable.”
While some tried to defend Trump, arguing that he merely shared the article and didn’t create the image himself, others pushed back hard. “Oh, you’re right. He only SHARED the anti-LGBTQ stance article with blatant Nazi imagery. That’s much better, my mistake!” one person sarcastically commented.
Another user summed up the sentiment: “I. Can. Not. For the life of me understand how this man was elected president. Watching this from Europe is terrifying. I can’t imagine how Americans feel right now.”
As backlash continues to grow, one thing is certain—this post has reignited conversations about Trump’s views, his policies, and the message he’s sending to his supporters. But what do you think? Is this just another case of Trump stirring controversy, or does it reveal something much deeper?
