The Dictatorship
Trump’s expletive-laced Easter message to Iran: Open the strait or ‘you’ll be living in Hell’
Fresh off the daring nighttime rescue of the U.S. airman shot down in Iran on Friday, President Donald Trump warned Iran Sunday morning, “Open the F—-n’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!”
The president then set a new deadline of 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday for Iran to reach a deal with the U.S., making yet another extension. In a spate of news interviews Sunday afternoon, Trump told Blue Light News he would not rule out sending ground troops. And he told Fox News Sunday he’s “considering blowing everything up and taking over the oil” if Iran doesn’t accept a deal, which he said he expects by Monday.
But in an interview with ABC News Sunday afternoon, Trump sounded less certain about a deal, saying, “I have no idea with these people. There could be a deal, and there could also not be a deal. I don’t know. I have no idea with these people, they’re getting the shit beat out of them, and that’s, that’s all I can tell you.” Of the possibility of ground troops, he said, “I don’t think it’s necessary but I don’t rule anything out.”
Just before 8 a.m. ET on Sunday, the president praised both the rescued officer and the special military team that got him safely out of enemy territory.
“We have rescued the seriously wounded, and really brave, F-15 Crew Member/Officer, from deep inside the mountains of Iran,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “The Iranian Military was looking hard, in big numbers, and getting close. He is a highly respected Colonel. This type of raid is seldom attempted because of the danger to ‘man and equipment.’ It just doesn’t happen!”
The president announced he would hold a news conference early Monday afternoon with Pentagon officials. “God Bless our great MILITARY WARRIORS!” he added.
Then he vowed that Iran can expect heavy bombardment — very soon. “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F—-n’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!” Trump said, adding, “Praise be to Allah.”
The president’s unorthodox Easter morning message was startling, even to those in Washington who have grown accustomed to his unconventional leadership.
Former Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had a public falling out with Trump before she left Congress, said the president “has gone insane.”
“On Easter morning, this is what President Trump posted,” the Georgia Republican, who is an opponent of the Iran war, said on X. “Everyone in his administration that claims to be a Christian needs to fall on their knees and beg forgiveness from God and stop worshipping the President and intervene in Trump’s madness.”
“It’s disgusting,” Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., said during an appearance on MS NOW’s “The Weekend.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reacted to the president’s F-bomb-laced holiday missive, saying on X“Happy Easter, America. As you head off to church and celebrate with friends and family, the President of the United States is ranting like an unhinged madman on social media.”
“It’s shocking that this is our president,” Balint added.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Akayla Gardner is a White House correspondent for MS NOW.
Emily Hung is an associate White House producer for MS NOW.
Erum Salam is a breaking news reporter for MS NOW, with a focus on how global events and foreign policy shape U.S. politics. She previously was a breaking news reporter for The Guardian.