If you call Donald Trump a “jackass,” he might give out your cell phone number on live television. But while Trump dealt South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham a very public smack down on Tuesday, some of his most outrageous retorts aren’t spoken. Instead, they’re delivered via email, news releases, social media — and even in personal letters.
Here are seven times “The Donald” took his haters to task, in writing:
1. When Hillary Clinton called The Apprentice star’s remarks about immigrants “shameful,” Trump slammed the Democratic front-runner:
“Hillary should spend more time producing her illegally hidden emails and less time trying to obfuscate a statement by me that is totally clear and obviously very much accepted by the public as true. I am honored, however, that she is attacking me, instead of Jeb Bush. Obviously she knows that JEB is no longer her real competition. The last person she wants to face is Donald Trump.”
Trump shouldn’t feel “honored” for long, though. Clinton appeared to have ample ammunition for his rivals and specifically criticized Bush for his remarks on workers.
2. When the Des Moines Register told Trump to “pull the plug” on his candidacy, he called their attention to the impending demise of the newspaper industry:
“I am not at all surprised by the Des Moines Register’s sophomoric editorial. It was issued immediately after the release of the ABC News/Washington Post poll showing me with 24% and an eleven-point lead over my nearest rival. As one of the most liberal newspapers in the United States, the poll results were just too much for them to bear. The Des Moines Register has lost much circulation, advertising, and power over the last number of years. They will do anything for a headline, and this poorly written ‘non-endorsement’ got them some desperately needed ink.”
The Des Moines Register wasn’t the only media outlet to receive Trump’s dismissive scorn, though.
3. When the Huffington Post moved its coverage of Trump’s campaign to it’s “entertainment” section, he admitted to his distaste for blogs, too:
“Mr. Trump has never been a fan of Arianna Huffington or the money-losing Huffington Post. The only clown show in this scenario is the Huffington Post pretending to be a legitimate news source. Mr. Trump is not focused on being covered by a glorified blog.”
In contrast, Trump has no qualms about announcing — early and often — his money-making prowess.
4. When Trump turned in his financials to the FEC, he used all caps to emphasize to nonbelievers how rich he is:
“Today, Donald J. Trump filed his Personal Financial Disclosure (PFD) forms with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). This report was not designed for a man of Mr. Trump’s massive wealth … As of this date, Mr. Trump’s net worth is in excess of TEN BILLION DOLLARS.”
In fact, he’s so wealthy that he often gets celebrities coming by to ask for a handout, by his account.
5. When Neil Young revealed he didn’t authorize Trump to use his music, “The Donald” characterized the rocker as a mooch: “A few months ago Neil Young came to my office looking for $$ on an audio deal & called me last week to go to his concert. Wow! For the nonbeliever, here is a photo of Neil Young in my office and his $$ request — total hypocrite. Neil Young’s song, ‘Rockin’ In The Free World’ was just one of 10 songs used as background music. Didn’t love it anyway.” Also considered hypocrites in Trump’s book? Rick Perry and Miss Universe Paulina Vega. 6. When Univision axed its broadcast of the Miss Universe pageant, Trump retaliated against the network with this hole in one: “Please be advised that under no circumstances is any officer or representative of Univision allowed to use Trump National Doral, Miami — its golf courses or any of its facilities … P.S. Please congratulate your Mexican Government officials for having made such outstanding deals with the United States. However, inform them that should I become President, those days are over. We are bringing jobs back to the U.S. Also, a meaningful border will be immediately created, not the laughingstock that currently exists.” The jobs-in-the-U.S. zinger was particularly ironic, given that Trump’s line of clothing was made in China. 7. When Macy’s discontinued its business relationship with “The Donald,” he bemoaned the negative impacts of globalization: “I have decided to terminate my relationship with Macy’s because of the pressure being put on them by outside sources. While selling Trump ties and shirts at Macy’s is a small business in terms of dollar volume, my principles are far more important and therefore much more valuable. I have never been happy about that fact that the ties and shirts are made in China, and should I start a new product line somewhere in the futures, I would insist that they are made in America ….”
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