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‘There goes your rank’: Donald Trump throws hissy fit after military generals don’t clap for him, threatens their careers

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 24: U.S. President Donald Trump calls on a reporter to ask a question during a cabinet meeting at the White House on March 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. This is Trump's third cabinet meeting of his second term, and it focused on spending cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Is he serious or joking? This is a question that most people find themselves asking when Donald Trump talks. He has become the definition of saying ridiculous things over the years and has gained a few nicknames that take a dig at his intelligence and divisive actions. In good faith, why wouldn’t he be?

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Donald Trump is the President of the United States, the most powerful nation in the world. But, as the face of the country, he does not appear to possess any traits that are worthy of praise. Since taking office again in 2025, he has been more concerned with baseless conspiracy theories, hollow promises that never materialise, and threats that possibly have no real repercussions.

Recently, during a speech to a group of senior military officers, Trump demonstrated one of his familiar quirks. Starting his speech with a whine in his voice, like that of a child complaining, he made a comment that he had never stepped into a room so quiet, highlighting the absence of warmth from the crowd when he took to the podium to speak. His remark sent the crowd into laughter, which was soon silenced by the President, who told them they should not laugh because they were not supposed to. He then proceeded to deliver what seemed to be a threat, saying that:

“If you want to applaud, you can applaud. You can do what you want. If you don’t like what I’m saying, you can leave the room. There goes your rank, and there goes your future.”

Donald Trump continued his speech by addressing what he thought was of utmost importance, but the confusion among the audience continued to linger. Following the speech, people on social media were quick to express their thoughts on the matter. However, the consensus among the people remained the same. They aren’t sure if Trump is throwing a tantrum or engaging in comedy, the latter not being his strongest suit. A user on X (previously Twitter) wrote:

“Those were very clearly jokes.”

Another user dismissed the idea of Trump’s comments being a joke under the comment and said:

“The Commander In Chief just threatened to fire anyone that doesn’t applaud his every word. Clearly not joking.”

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Sanchari Ghosh
Sanchari Ghosh is a political writer for The Mary Sue who enjoys keeping up with what's going on in the world and sometimes reminding everyone what they should be talking about. She's been around for a few years, but still gets excited whenever she disentangles a complicated story. When she's not writing, she's likely sleeping, eating, daydreaming, or just hanging out with friends. Politics is her passion, but so is an amazing nap.

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