Fact Check: Trump Did Not Post About Meeting a ‘Civil War Soldier’

Politics John Brightwater August 31, 2024

Fact Check: Trump Did Not Post About Meeting a ‘Civil War Soldier’

The assertion circulating on social media that former President Donald Trump posted a message regarding his encounter with a “Civil War soldier” is inaccurate. This information originated from an impersonator, whose account has since been suspended for breaching platform regulations.

On August 27, a Facebook post depicted what appeared to be a post on X (formerly Twitter) attributed to Mr. Trump, claiming, “Once a Civil War soldier came to me, with tears in his eyes and said, ‘Sir thank you for building the United States military from scratch.’” Despite the post receiving significant shares, it was not authored by President Trump.

The impersonator’s account—identifiable as @realDonaldTrimp—was flagged for using a misleading identity, and Trump’s verified account does not contain any record of such a post. The content is particularly implausible; the last remaining Civil War soldier, Albert Woolson, passed away in 1956, long before Mr. Trump was of age to have such an interaction.

This misrepresentation follows a recent event at Arlington National Cemetery, where Mr. Trump faced public scrutiny over a confrontation regarding photography regulations. Amid this backdrop, it is critical to verify the authenticity of social media claims, especially those that appear to reflect the statements of public figures.

In conclusion, the analysis of this specific claim underscores the importance of discernment in the digital age. As demonstrated by previous instances of misinformation surrounding prominent individuals, such as the baseless allegations involving other political figures, there is a pressing need for factual integrity in public discourse. Fact-checking sources, including Snopes, have corroborated the inaccuracy of this claim, further emphasizing the necessity for accurate representation in the media.