White House Communications Director Steven Cheung on Tuesday posted a menacing message about what he believes to be Donald Trump's political power. 'Do not ever doubt President Trump and his political power,' Cheung wrote. 'Fuck around, find out.'
Context of the Post
The post appeared to reference Trump critic Representative Thomas Massie losing the Republican primary in Kentucky's 4th District to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, in what became the most expensive House race on record.
Cheung's History of Divisive Rhetoric
Cheung has a long history of posting divisive, Trump-like rhetoric online, from calling a Democratic staffer a 'retard' to slamming outgoing 'Late Show' host Stephen Colbert as an 'entitled prick.'
Backlash and Criticism
Critics quickly hit back, branding Cheung 'a disgrace' and accusing him of using cult-like language. One user responded, 'Do not ever doubt his political power is how cult members talk about a wizard, not how adults discuss a politician.' Another said, 'A White House communications director just issued a public threat to a sitting Republican congressman on behalf of the President and called it political power.'
Reactions on Social Media
Many users expressed skepticism about Trump's lasting influence. 'Let's check back on this in November,' wrote one user. Another noted, 'Trump has an approval rating in the 30s. Americans hate him. See you in November!' Some highlighted the perceived threat: 'Hey numbnuts, Trump has an approval rating in the 30s. Americans hate him. See you in November!'
Others pointed to the cult-like nature of the message. 'Missed a spot. Fixed it for you: political power within the MAGA cult. The rest of us aren't under his spell. We're just watching from a safe, sane distance. Oh, and getting ready to vote,' one user wrote.
Some commenters predicted electoral consequences. 'People should quote this en masse to Cheung after Republicans lose the midterms,' said one. Another added, 'We'll see in November, idiot.'
