Trump criticized for ‘patronizing’ praise of hero in El Paso shooting: ‘You could be a movie star the way you look’
President Trump’s compliment — “You could be a movie star, the way you look” — to an Army soldier who saved children during the El Paso shooting, wasn’t universally flattering.
On Wednesday, the president and first lady Melania Trump flew to Dayton, Ohio where 9 people were shot and killed Sunday, and El Paso, Texas where 22 died after a gunman’s spree at Walmart, to congratulate first responders.
Fort Bliss U.S. Army specialist Glendon Oakley, who scooped up as many children as he could carry during the gunfire, met Trump.
"We run towards Dillard's, and it's like a play pen over there. I see a whole bunch of kids like, without their parents running around screaming and crying, so I grab as many as possible," Oakley previously told WMAZ-TV. He also told CBS4, "...I just did what I would want another person to do for my children.”
While thanking first responders at the Emergency Operations Center in El Paso, Trump turned to Oakley. “And, by the way, here is a great hero,” he said. “This man — the job he did. You all know who it is. Everybody — the whole world knows who you are now, right?”
“Yes, Mr. President,” answered Oakley, prompting this from Trump: “So you’ll be a movie star, the way you look. That’ll be — hey, that’ll be next. Who knows, right?”
“Yes, sir,” said Oakley.
Twitter said the out-of-place praise was “weird” and asked why Trump did not address Oakley by name.
And I'm sorry but does anyone else think his comments to the Army private in El Paso are patronizing? I mean saying "you'll be a movie star the way you look..." is just a weird thing to say to someone.
— East2West (@CarolynEast2) August 8, 2019
While addressing an officer, that Trump refers to as a "Hero, " he also quickly adds, excitedly, "You'll be a Movie Star, the way you look."
The "President" is a Tool.#ElPaso— Cee (@Owlallowit) August 7, 2019
He's obsessed with physical appearance. His own. Everyone's.
— Christine March (@ImprintWeddings) August 8, 2019
Saying to Private Oakley, who saved kids in El Paso, that "you'll be a movie star, the way you look." Thinking that is what he would want to hear at this moment. My jaw is so far below the floor I need to dig a ditch.
— Dana Stevens (@thehighsign) August 8, 2019
Pain suffering and death have no meaning to @realDonaldTrump. Nothing is real to him. It’s all a show. He tells the hero he could be a movie star. And #Trump is playing President. #RealityOrRealityTV
https://t.co/50wEy1qCPD via @MailOnline— Larry Charles (@larrycharlesism) August 8, 2019
Trump could attacK Dems yesterday but would not take the time to learn the name of Glen Oakley, a soldier who helped save children at Walmart. HOW DID WE GET HERE?
— de (@spratleydenise) August 8, 2019
Trump’s morning was controversial as well— after landing in Dayton, Ohio, the first couple visited recovering victims at the Miami Valley Hospital, where the president took selfies and grinned while giving the thumbs-up sign in photos.
The moment mimicked a Hollywood signing, people tweeted.
Afterward, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, who were at the hospital, gave a press conference and Brown stated that he wanted the president and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to support background checks for gun purchases.
Brown also disagreed that poor mental health was singularly responsible for gun violence, which Trump has argued. “...If he cares about mental health, the important thing is not to repeal the Affordable Care Act and not to cut Medicaid..” said Brown, then slammed Republicans for lying “in bed with the gun lobby.”
So, this is @realDonaldTrump @senrobportman @GovMikeDeWine at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio grieving, mourning, and yukking it up with staff members @PremierHealthOH. Disgusting, unvirtuous, and lacks compassion for all victims. pic.twitter.com/98cInG43Sz
— There_Their_They're (@Miz_Chiz_mar) August 8, 2019
@PremierHealthOH
Dear Miami Valley Hospital #Dayton Ohio,
I am heart broken for your city.
But I am more heart broken that a hospital would allow Trump to film a Propaganda video with it's staff members.
9 HUMAN BEINGS WERE MURDERED!
And your staff laughs & takes selfies. pic.twitter.com/Ri6HkxXYJw— V. Spell (@v_spelldem) August 8, 2019
A president who “divides” and has “racist” rhetoric is troublesome, said Brown. However, according to CNN, Brown also said that Trump was "received well by the patients” and "did the right things” at the hospital.
After Trump left Dayton, he tweeted about the “fraud” press conference, accusing Brown and Whaley of “totally misrepresenting” his hospital visit.
However, when Whaley read Trump’s tweets on camera, she said, “I’m really confused — we said he was treated very well. Oh well, he lives in his world of Twitter.”
Just left Dayton, Ohio, where I met with the Victims & families, Law Enforcement, Medical Staff & First Responders. It was a warm & wonderful visit. Tremendous enthusiasm & even Love. Then I saw failed Presidential Candidate (0%) Sherrod Brown & Mayor Whaley totally.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2019
....misrepresenting what took place inside of the hospital. Their news conference after I left for El Paso was a fraud. It bore no resemblance to what took place with those incredible people that I was so lucky to meet and spend time with. They were all amazing!o
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2019
When the Mayor of Dayton first saw @realDonaldTrump tweet about her pic.twitter.com/Z8YdyeebXp
— Scott Wartman (@ScottWartman) August 7, 2019
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