Trump catches flak for declaring ‘mission accomplished’ in Syria

Twitter users criticized President Trump after he used a phrase made infamous by former President George W. Bush to declare victory in an ongoing military mission.

Trump tweeted “Mission Accomplished!” on Saturday to declare a successful missile strike in Syria the previous night. 

A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2018

The phrase is reminiscent of Bush giving a 2003 speech declaring the end of major U.S. combat missions in Iraq, with a banner featuring the phrase “Mission Accomplished” displayed behind him.

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Videos and images of Bush in front of the banner became infamous as U.S. military involvement in Iraq continued throughout the rest of Bush’s presidency and to this day.

Social media users quickly noted Trump’s use of the phrase on Saturday, particularly in light of another U.S. military mission in the Middle East.

Here’s what some users had to say: 

Mission Accomplished!

What happens when history repeats but it was farce the first time?

— Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) April 14, 2018

Where have I heard Mission Accomplished after bombing a Middle East country? https://t.co/oFjV2MQSDP

— Neera Tanden (@neeratanden) April 14, 2018

Saying “mission accomplished” always works out well for presidents … https://t.co/fbf8tcNt04

— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) April 14, 2018

Mission Accomplished??? Is there ANYONE in the White House with an understanding of history? pic.twitter.com/pfodHcMZAg

— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) April 14, 2018

“Mission Accomplished!” pic.twitter.com/l5FZdvbjrN

— Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) April 14, 2018

“Mission Accomplished” is definitely a very good phrase to use about a military intervention in the Middle East https://t.co/zMYMrAcbHr

— Tom Phillips (@flashboy) April 14, 2018

Luckily those same words won’t come back to haunt him in humiliating fashion. There’s no precedent for it. https://t.co/YXS7pBaAZh

— Arkansas Fred (@ArkansasFred) April 14, 2018

President Trump doesn’t seem to realize that “Mission Accomplished!” has a certain echo to it. The Middle East tends to draw things out a little longer than politicians expect. pic.twitter.com/dR9qI7kCtX

— Tim O’Brien (@TimOBrien) April 14, 2018

I think there is a banner he can borrow https://t.co/2eAq1DVuSN

— Carlos Lozada (@CarlosLozadaWP) April 14, 2018

We’re still fighting the last war that was “Mission Accomplished.”

The man is utterly devoid of context. https://t.co/rDfy0HWhvS

— Patrick S. Tomlinson (@stealthygeek) April 14, 2018