Donald Trump's official statements about Mexico and its citizens have raised eyebrows time and again. From his statements about Mexicans being "criminals" and "rapists" during the presidential campaign in 2016 to his campaign promise to build a "big" and "beautiful" wall between Mexico and the United States, Trump's political attitude toward America's southern neighbor has been remarkably brash on more than just one occasion. It's because of this past record on Mexico, that Trump's vow to help Mexico City has confused the internet to a considerable degree.
On Tuesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, "God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you." The president's bout of apparent philanthropy and empathy for Mexico is presumably referring to the most recent and devastating earthquake that hit the country. The magnitude 7.1 earthquake jolted Central Mexico and killed at least 42 people in the Morelos state, according to local officials.
It isn't shocking that Trump's tweet is mildly confusing, to say the least, for those who have been aware of his previous statements toward Mexico and its people. Users on Twitter were quick to react to the president's afternoon tweet, like the one person who tweeted a modified gif of Trump shrugging with a speech bubble that said, "I no care."
Here are several folks trying to make sense of Trump's most recent statement.
1. "I No Care"
This user found it hard to believe Trump sincerely cared for Mexico's most recent plight.
2. Reminder About The Wall
Other Twitter users advised Trump to abandon his vow to build a wall between Mexico and the United States.
3. One Simple Question
Good question.
4. A Friendly Reminder
In 2014, Trump tweeted, "When will the U.S. stop sending [dollars] to our enemies, i.e. Mexico and others." Twitter users did not forget.
5. Inconsistency
One user pointed out the inconsistency between Trump's Tuesday tweet and his recent decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which helps young and undocumented people who were brought to the United States as children.
6. The Notorious Wall
Many Twitter users kept reminding Trump about his notorious campaign promise to build a wall.
7. Hard To Believe
Others used sarcasm to deliver their point.
8. Don't Worry, Mexico
"That makes everything better," one snarked.
9. Will He Send Help?
After Hurricane Harvey pummeled Texas, Mexico offered aid which it had to pull back after an earthquake and Hurricane Katia. Some users wondered if Trump would offer material aid to Mexico after its most recent natural disaster.
10. Not Believing It
Some found Trump's vow to help Mexico pretty hard to believe.
11. "Are We Really?"
Another simple question.
12. "Stop Lying"
More incredulity.
13. Another Reminder
One user reminded Trump of his campaign comments on Mexicans in 2016.
14. "Really?"
You can't blame people for being confused. Or skeptical.
15. And Another Reminder
Twitter did not play today.
16. "Nobody Does"
"They don't believe you," one said.
17. "Let Me Know"
People want to know what Trump plans to do for Mexico.
18. "Contempt For Mexico"
"You have shown nothing but contempt for Mexico," one user noted.
19. More Confusion
Tons of confusion.
20. "Name A Time"
Lots of people want to know.
21. "Empty Words"
Twitter made sure Trump knew they didn't forget his past statements on Mexico.
22. This Barack Obama Gif
That's a good expression to summarize "confuddled" up.
23. "You Were Never With Us"
Mexican Twitter users responded to Trump as well.
24. Spanish Twitter Spoke Up
The translation bot points to "hypocrisy."
25. This Gif
Sometimes gifs do all the talking for you.
26. And This Gif
Just trying to make sense of it all.
27. This Gif, Too
The thinking emoji probably encapsulates Twitter's collective state right now.
28. This Image
Right in one modified photo.
If there's anything evident from this stack of 28 tweets, it's that Twitter is partially confused and partially cynical about Trump's latest proclamation of empathy for Mexico.
