The Brief: In an interview, Trump said of the Coronavirus deaths in the United States "it is what it is," sparking backlash, criticism, and memes.
DEEP DIVE
Trump’s comment on Coronavirus deaths that “it is what it is” led to memes denouncing the flippancy of his statement and stressing the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. In an “Axios on HBO” interview with Jonathan Swan that aired on August 3, Trump made a number of questionable statements including saying that he wished alleged child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell “well” and downplaying the Coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
TRUMP on 1,000 Americans dying from coronavirus each day:
βIt is what it is.βpic.twitter.com/dgzc1s7Ptt
— Ian Sams (@IanSams) August 4, 2020
Many people responded to Trump’s interview with criticism and memes. In particular, the phrase “it is what it is” stuck and the hashtag #ItIsWhatItIs was trending on Twitter on August 4. One popular meme format to emerge from the interview features Jonathan Swan’s bewildered and frustrated facial expressions from when Trump made outrageous comments and disputed documented facts.
All the best reactions of @jonathanvswan as he listened to @realDonaldTrump's responses. Which is your favorite? @axios #ItIsWhatItIs pic.twitter.com/TWL5bOvESX
— Joel Lawson (@JoelLawsonDC) August 4, 2020
Apparently “it is what it is” is one of Trump’s go-to ways of characterizing Coronavirus deaths.
#itiswhatitis is the idiotβs go-to phrase. Millions unemployed? A thousand dying every day? pic.twitter.com/kI8KyYzOk2
— The Daily Edge (@TheDailyEdge) August 4, 2020
Trump’s comments were reminiscent of Vanessa Hudgens’ “yeah people are gonna die which is terrible…but like inevitable?” Instagram Live debacle.
#ItIsWhatItIs Donald said pic.twitter.com/qKk7yFX7Z3
— dandelion (@delaware_sucks) August 4, 2020
“It is what it is” sounds like another insensitive tagline that Melania Trump might wear on her coat…
"It Is What It Is" is the second coat from Zara's fall Indifference collection, available exclusively at Walmart. #itiswhatitis #COVID19 #TrumpLiesAmericansDie #FLOTUS #Indifference @axios @jonathanvswan @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/hgnucWZB3b
— George (@GeorgeLovell3) August 4, 2020
The pre-existing meme relevance of “it isss what it isss” wasn’t lost on those who are extremely online π π π …
Reporter: Well, what about the over 150,000 Americans who have died?@realDonaldTrump: It is what it is. pic.twitter.com/IMQhrfO5cY
— π Heather π (@BlitzkriegBtsy) August 4, 2020
[Doctor diagnosing you with terminal cancer]
It is what it is.
— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) August 4, 2020
βIt is what it isβ signs up in Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/tvvdrPrrhq
— The Good Liars (@TheGoodLiars) August 4, 2020
I donβt know who needs to hear this but if your response to over 150,000 people dying is βit is what isβ then youβre not only a sociopath but youβre also probably a serial killer
— Meredith Lee (@meralee727) August 4, 2020
Trump on 156,000 dead Americans: It is what it is.
Trump on Kristen Stewart: SHE CHEATED ON ROBERT LIKE A DOG! HE SHOULD NEVER TAKE HER BACK!
— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) August 4, 2020
Trump on Ghislaine Maxwell: βI wish her well.β
Trump on 1,000 Americans dying a day: βIt is what it is.β
Trump shows more concern for an accused child trafficker and alleged rapist than the 159,016 Americans who have lost their lives to Covid-19.
— πππ‘π€πͺ_πππ©ππ #Bluenami2020 (@Tipsy_in_Texas) August 4, 2020
The #COVID19 epidemic in America is as well controlled as this was π#ItIsWhatItIs pic.twitter.com/pcyjZ466oI
— Terriβ§Ellen (@_TerriEllen) August 4, 2020
Is #itiswhatitis trending yet? Cause it should be. pic.twitter.com/pfqaA1kFFr
— Lev Parnas & Igor Fruman LLCπ (@KurisuS) August 4, 2020
My four year old could make a better graph than this ! #itiswhatitis #trumpvirus @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/EkQSlbiwQ8
— Tim (@tim0ld) August 4, 2020