President Donald Trump's parade of comments to reporters about national security and potential war with Iran on the tarmac in Morristown, New Jersey, triggered a wave of scorn and shock by commenters on social media.
When the president was asked what was different about the standoff with Iran and the disastrous 2003 invasion of Iraq, he claimed that 2003 was "pre-nuclear" — which triggered a wave of confusion from observers.
"2003 was 'pre-nuclear' what the hell is he talking about?" asked former Obama administration security official and podcaster Tommy Vietor.
"Q: 'How is this different from Iraq?' TRUMP: Says that was 'pre-nuclear' (it wasn’t), rambles about how he was right about Iraq BEFORE it started (There is no evidence of that)… gives zero specifics about how this time it’s different," wrote The Tennessee Holler.
Another highly scrutinized part of the exchange was when Trump claimed his own director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, is wrong that Iran does not currently have nuclear weapons.
"Trump believes the current Fox News weekend host he appointed to his Homeland Security Advisory Council over the former Fox News contributor he appointed as his director of national intelligence," wrote Media Matters fellow Matt Gertz.
"If you're Tulsi and you have a shred of self worth - you have to resign right?" wrote Wake Forest town commissioner Adam Wright.
Trump also proclaimed that he "saved" Los Angeles by sending the National Guard to break up anti-deportation protests, and rambled about how he didn't want to hurt California's farmers — which drew a direct rebuke from the press office of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA).
"Trump: I never want to hurt our farmers; Miller & Homan: We’re raiding their farms anyway; WHO IS RUNNING THE GOVERNMENT ???"
And the president took the opportunity to complain about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize "four or five times" for India and Pakistan, because they "only give it to liberals."
"We are governed by a needy narcissistic man-child and if you’re a supporter or admirer of his, I pity you," wrote former MSNBC contributor Mehdi Hasan in response to this tirade.
