Why Donald Trump Jr.'s Tweet About The Grammys Backfired
Donald Trump Jr. is becoming as well-known as his father for posting frequent tweets on political and social issues, branding himself as one of the new voices for the far right. He's particularly fond of taking swipes at "cancel culture," Hollywood, prominent liberals, and, of course, President Biden and his policies. His followers have been treated to his thoughts on Mr. Potato Head, Dr. Seuss, unionized teachers, and of course, the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interview with Oprah. (His take: Harry is a brainwashed "dude in a hostage video" and Meghan is an attention-seeking phony.)
One of his latest targets — because he chooses so many over the course of a single day — is the Grammys, which handed out its annual statuettes on March 14. Don Jr. retweeted a post from Robby Starbuck, a director/producer who has his eye on a Congressional seat. Showing press photos of some of the nominees on the red carpet, Starbuck said, "There's a mask mandate in Los Angeles where violations can carry a $1,000 fine or six months in jail but apparently COVID isn't a concern if you're a celebrity at the #Grammys. Celeb parties are no big deal, but have a family party in L.A. and the mayor can turn off your power."
Trump captioned the retweet, "Do as we say, not as we do!!!"
Critics pointed out the Trumps' own maskless public appearances
Don Jr. might have done well to remember mom's old saying: When you point a finger at someone, three fingers point right back at you. True, the former first son did get some support for his tweet. Said one: "[W]hy do they get special treatment when the rest of us are stuck in our homes while following the rules." Another accused celebrities of "push[ing] their views on ignorant, poor people for their own financial gains."
Other respondents pointed out that the Grammy performers were all wearing masks to the socially distanced event, removing them only for the few moments they spent posing for the red-carpet photos. But the overwhelming sentiment in the replies was that this was an odd protest coming from someone whose father held many campaign rallies last year in which supporters sat close together, and most were maskless. One responder found a photo from last New Year's Eve showing Don Jr., girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle, and two of his siblings posing sans facial gear; another reminded him of the "maskless dancing y'all did on January 6" [in a media tent shortly before the events at the Capitol]. Still another found an article from the Mercury News reporting that Don Jr., his sisters, and brother all refused to abide by the mask rules during the first presidential debate last September.
Donald Trump Jr. hasn't commented on his own history of going without facial protection in public, but this isn't likely to be his last word on this (or any) subject.