No, former President Donald Trump is not showing surprising new discipline with his Truth Social rants — Americans just aren't reading them, a recent fact-check from a Washington Post reporter found.
Tech reporter Drew Harwell shared on X Wednesday a slew of messages from the former president he says flatly contradict a recent Washington Times editorial that claims Trump has diligently kept himself out of the limelight.
"I've seen people saying Trump's been quiet in a strategic, disciplined way, to keep heat on Biden after the debate," writes Harwell. "But he's been posting just as much as ever on Truth Social. People just aren't seeing it."
This stands in stark contrast to the characterization of Trump's messaging presented by Washington Examiner writer Joseph Nepomuceno, who praises the former president for his "silence" and urges him to continue to keep quiet.
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake," the editorial opens.
As proof of this claim, Nepomuceno relies on one New York Times report about both candidate's schedules the four days after the debate. According to the Times, Biden had eight public events and appearances while Trump had six.
"Trump’s increased public discipline compared to previous elections is working and will continue to benefit him," declares the editorial.
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In comparison, Harwell backs his claim with an explainer about Trump's "angrier" Truth Social isolation and multiple screenshots from Trump's social media account.
They show messages of outrage directed at "Crooked Joe Biden," claims of a "deep state" conspiracy and a meme accusing Liz Cheney of "treason."
In one such post, written four days after the debate, Trump accuses Biden of spying on him.
"Crooked Joe Biden spied on my campaign, took money from foreign governments, made some of the worst policy and military decisions in USA history, WEAPONIZED INJUSTICE, and is our WORST PRESIDENT EVER," Trump wrote. "He is killing our Country, a Total Loser!!! DJT"
The last two days have seen Trump post calls for "televised military tribunals," claims that Steve Bannon's jailing is "election interference," and demands of imprisonment for Sen. Mitch McConnell, former Vice President Mike Pence, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Biden, among others, notes Harwell.
"Some Soros stuff; some QAnon stuff," he adds. Then a direct quote from Trump: "STRONG PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY IS A MUST!"
