Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump sparked controversy with a Truth Social post celebrating Labor Day, thanking American workers for “250 years” of contributions, despite the U.S. being 249 years old, with its 250th anniversary set for July 4, 2026.
The error, accompanied by a photo of Trump shaking hands with workers and the caption “Happy Labor Day,” has reignited concerns about his mental sharpness, especially following recent public gaffes. Critics, including labor leaders, also accuse Trump of betraying workers through anti-union policies and deregulation, contrasting his pro-worker rhetoric with actions favoring corporate interests.
Trump’s Truth Social Error and Mental Acuity Concerns
Trump’s Labor Day post, stating “celebrating 250 years of the American worker,” drew attention for its factual inaccuracy, as the U.S. was founded in 1776, per historical records. The blunder follows other public missteps, including an August rant about windmills during a UK trip and a false claim that his uncle knew the Unabomber.
These incidents, alongside Trump’s tendency to veer off-topic such as a 15-minute discussion about décor during a July cabinet meeting have raised questions about the 79-year-old’s cognitive health. Unlike former President Joe Biden, whose faltering June 2024 debate performance led to his decision not to seek reelection, Trump has largely avoided similar scrutiny despite persistent erratic behavior.
Labor Policies Under Fire
Trump campaigned on promises to champion workers, but labor activists argue his second term prioritizes corporate interests. In August, Trump halted enforcement of a rule protecting coal miners from black lung disease, a potentially fatal condition, contradicting his pledges to support the industry.
He also fired the head of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), leaving the agency understaffed and unable to effectively counter anti-union practices. Additionally, Trump’s executive order eliminating union contracts and collective bargaining rights for one million federal employees has drawn sharp criticism.
Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, told The Guardian, “It’s a big betrayal. We knew it would be bad, but we had no idea how rapidly he would be doing these things. He is stripping away regulations that protect workers. His attacks on unions are coming fast and furious. He talks a good game of being for working people, but he’s doing the absolute opposite.” Shuler added, “This is a government that is by, and for, the CEOs and billionaires.”
On X, reactions are divided. Liberals like @WorkersRightsNow posted, “Trump’s Labor Day flub shows he’s out of touch—hurting workers while praising them!” while MAGA supporters like @AmericaFirstUSA countered, “Trump’s fighting for workers—Democrats just smear him!”
Health concerns about Trump, attributed to “handshaking” by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, persist, with former aide Michael Cohen citing “erratic behavior.” Democrats, leveraging Barack Obama’s return and Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s gubernatorial campaign, project a 71% chance of retaking the House in 2026, per a July Daily Beast analysis.
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What’s Next?
Trump’s Labor Day error risks amplifying perceptions of cognitive decline, with 62% of independents expressing concern in a July 2025 Gallup poll. His anti-union policies could alienate blue-collar voters, a key 2024 base, per AFL-CIO survey showing 55% of union members disapproving of Trump.
The NLRB’s staffing crisis, with only three board members as of August, hampers labor protections. Upcoming House Oversight Committee hearings on Trump’s worker policies could escalate scrutiny.
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