Stupid is as Stupid Does

Evaluating actions as “stupid” can be subjective, but there are several controversial decisions and statements made by Donald Trump over the years that have drawn significant criticism. Here are ten notable examples that have been widely discussed:

1. Trump University: He was accused of fraud related to his real estate education program, which was criticized for misleading students.
2. Central Park Five: In 1989, he took out full-page ads calling for the death penalty for five Black teenagers wrongfully accused of a crime, and he continued to stand by those statements even after their exoneration.
3. Birther Movement: He promoted the conspiracy theory that President Obama was not born in the U.S., which drew widespread criticism and was based on unfounded claims.
4. Comments on Mexico and Immigrants: His announcement speech in 2015 included derogatory comments about Mexican immigrants, which fueled controversy and backlash.
5. Handling of COVID-19: His administration’s response to the pandemic was criticized for downplaying the severity of the virus and spreading misinformation about treatments.
6. Withdrawal from Paris Agreement: Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from this important climate accord, which raised concerns about global environmental impact.
7. Fire and Fury: His bellicose rhetoric towards North Korea, including the phrase “fire and fury,” was seen as escalating tensions unnecessarily.
8. Jan. 6 Capitol Riot: His response to the January 6 Capitol insurrection, including claims of election fraud and hesitance to quickly condemn the violence, drew severe criticism.
9. Border Wall Promises: He repeatedly promised to build a border wall paid for by Mexico, a claim that was never realized.
10. Controversial Tweets: His frequent use of Twitter for personal attacks on individuals, institutions, and the media often drew criticism for undermining norms of presidential conduct.

These examples represent a range of actions and statements that have garnered various forms of backlash politically and socially. Public opinion on these actions can vary widely among supporters and detractors.