Former President Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social on Saturday comparing a younger version of himself to former President Barack Obama, a move that quickly drew criticism and mockery online.
The post featured a photograph of Trump in a military uniform from his time at the New York Military Academy alongside a college-aged Obama, pictured wearing a Panama hat and smoking what appears to be a cigarette. The images were reportedly labeled "D. Trump, 20" and "B. H. Obama, 18."
Critics online pointed out perceived differences in the demeanor of the two individuals in the photos. Some suggested Obama's image conveyed a greater sense of ease or charisma. Others questioned the accuracy of the age labels, noting that the photograph of Trump was from his 1964 high school yearbook, at which point he would have been 17 or 18 years old, not 20.
"Curious what the messaging goal is here," wrote Tommy Vietor, a former Obama aide and co-host of "Pod Save America." He added, "One guy looks like a good hang while other looks like he would’ve been fragged by his unit in Vietnam (if he hadn’t gotten five deferments)."
Mary Trump, Donald Trump's niece, also commented on the post, writing on X that the photograph of her uncle was from his teenage years. Some users interpreted the post as misleadingly implying military service, referencing Trump's multiple deferments during the Vietnam War.
"For the love of GOD, Trump was not in the military FFS," commented former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) on X.
Barack Obama himself has previously described Trump's repeated criticisms and focus on him as "strange" and indicative of someone not focused on the responsibilities of the presidency. In a past appearance on "All The Smoke" podcast, Obama stated that constantly worrying about a predecessor suggests a lack of focus on serving the American people.
This incident is part of a history of public commentary between the two former presidents, with Trump frequently criticizing Obama's time in office and Obama occasionally responding to Trump's remarks.