Melania Trump shared a clip of flypast on Twitter to salute healthcare and frontline workers. However, many reacted negatively to the FLOTUS’ post.
Melania Trump showed her support for the people who continue to work amid the coronavirus pandemic by sharing the flypast dedicated to the frontline workers. However, several disapproved of her way.
Melania Trump’s flyover was unnecessary
On Sunday, Melania Trump shared three photos on Twitter featuring the flypast in Washington, D.C. The spectacular flyover was for the frontline workers.
“Thank you to the @AFThunderbirds and @BlueAngels for this beautiful display of solidarity,” Melania wrote in the caption.
Proud to see the #AmericaStrong salute to our healthcare & frontline workers with a spectacular flyover today in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the @AFThunderbirds and @BlueAngels for this beautiful display of solidarity. pic.twitter.com/W5uyfrtWOz
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) May 2, 2020
One of the photos featured Melania looking up while waving at the aircraft. Although the snaps were beautiful to watch, several netizens found the whole event unnecessary.
Many questioned how the show could help the frontliners.
Meanwhile, Denise Wu said that healthcare workers do not need an air show. Instead, they are begging for personal protective equipment (PPE).
Another user named MissY agreed and suggested that the funds should have been set aside for what the healthcare workers really needed. Anyway, they were working when the show happened.
“This pomp and circumstance does not impress. It’s a pandemic…we don’t need a flyover,” the netizen added.
“You want to show support- take what it cost to put on that display and give it to the frontline workers,” Peter Wells added.
Healthcare workers are begging for #PPE not a dam air show they can’t see because they’re “working” and saving lives.
— Denise Wu (@denisewu) May 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/peter_wells/status/1256654780816130051
Melania Trump mocked for wasting money
Since the healthcare and frontline workers don’t need the flyover, many consider the ceremony a waste of money.
“Even in the midst of a crisis, our government hasn’t forgotten how to waste money,” David Mann wrote criticizing Melania.
Meanwhile, another user said that if the aircraft were dropping COVID-19 test kids and PPE, it would be a real salute. Otherwise, it would just be an empty gesture from the “inept, and corrupt administration.”
Even in the midst of a crisis, our government hasn’t forgotten how to waste money.
— David Mann (@manndmd) May 2, 2020
If they're dropping covid-19 tests and PPE then it really is a salute! If not, then it's just another empty gesture by you and your "husband's" inept, and corrupt administration. #beworst
— Luke (@lmwilliamsphd) May 2, 2020
Melania Trump’s supporters defend her
While many slammed the FLOTUS’ post, several also defended her. According to them, the flypast had a purpose.
For TXMJay, encouraging others is never a waste of money. In fact, it’s “priceless.” It’s just sad that many couldn’t see that.
Just like TXMJay, Jake believed that the ceremony could boost the frontliners’ moral. He added that “moral and American pride can be powerful.”
“Boosting morale for the whole nation is pretty important in a time like this,” another online user added.
Moral and American pride can be powerful
— Jake (@JRW_50) May 4, 2020
Encouraging others is never a waste. Its priceless. Its sad you cannot see that.
— Just Jay (@ItsRUFF200) May 2, 2020
Melania’s critics insisted that flypast wasn’t effective
Twitter users have a mixed reaction about the flypast. Some agreed with Melania that it could boost morale. However, some insisted that it was not effective at all.
Maria Kirchner said it didn’t boost anything except for the country’s national debt. She found the flyover an extremely stupid move.
Meanwhile, another user said it wasn’t helpful because it gathered crowds and would only make healthcare workers’ lives more difficult.
Are you crazy ??? This didn’t boost anything except our national debt !! How about hazard pay,bonuses,much needed supplies for these hospitals. This was totally asinine !
— Maria Kirchner (@Mustangmama12) May 3, 2020
That isn't actually helpful. It gathers crowds making health care workers lives more difficult.
— Amie🌻🇺🇦🌻 (@amiejennifer) May 2, 2020
Images courtesy of Mark Nozell/Flickr