In a move that’s drawing sharp criticism across the political spectrum, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton used the lead-up to Memorial Day—a solemn national holiday honoring fallen American service members—to call on her supporters to turn cookouts and family gatherings into political campaigns against President Donald Trump.
Clinton, who remains a highly polarizing figure after two failed presidential bids, posted on social media:
“I’m giving you a mission for this Memorial Day holiday weekend. I want you to talk to two people—friends, neighbors, cookout attendees—about why Trump’s proposed budget would be a disaster for American kids.”
The Talking Points: Budget Fearmongering Over Fallen Heroes
Instead of honoring America’s fallen warriors, Clinton used the moment to launch into a political attack against Trump’s recently passed budget bill, warning of:
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Medicaid cuts impacting 15 million Americans
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SNAP reductions affecting 11 million recipients
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Loss of child tax credits for 4.5 million children
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State bans on regulating AI, supposedly putting kids at risk
The timing, tone, and weaponization of a national day of mourning immediately sparked fierce criticism.
Critics Slam the Call to Hijack a Sacred Holiday
One of the most notable rebukes came from Lt. Col. Buzz Patterson (USAF Ret.), who once served in the Clinton White House as the military aide responsible for the nuclear football. Patterson tweeted:
“Or, you could spend the Memorial Day weekend to honor our fallen heroes in the manner they deserve and not make the cookouts political. I choose that approach.”
Many others echoed that sentiment, accusing Clinton of turning Memorial Day into a partisan battlefield instead of a day of unity and reverence.
Clinton’s post disabled replies, but quote tweets flooded in—many condemning the post as tactless and divisive.
A Pattern of Missteps—or Calculated Strategy?
This isn’t the first time Clinton has drawn fire for inserting partisan politics into solemn moments. But this episode may be one of her most tone-deaf, coming during a weekend dedicated to the ultimate sacrifice made by American soldiers—not budgetary debates or campaign activism.
Her post also comes as Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed the House with strong GOP support. The bill prioritizes spending cuts, entitlement reform, and streamlining federal regulation—elements that Clinton’s progressive base vehemently opposes.
Bottom Line: A Misjudged Message on a Sacred Weekend
While Clinton may have thought her post was a strategic call to arms, to many Americans, it was a glaring example of political opportunism at its worst—a reminder of how far removed the political elite can be from the values and traditions cherished by the American people.
Memorial Day isn’t a platform for partisanship. It’s a time to honor the brave.
And on that front, Lt. Col. Patterson said it best: “I choose that approach.”
