West Virginia Governor Jim Justice refused to acknowledge Joe Biden winning to election at his regularly scheduled COVID 19 news briefing, prompting social media acknowledgment by Trump.
“As far as acknowledging that the election is over, I do not do that,” he said.
Justice’s response was put in the public eye by Trump, who Tweeted about the response.
“Big Jim is the greatest!”
Big Jim is the greatest! https://t.co/jEomyIEC47
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 12, 2020
The phrase “Big Jim” began trending on Twitter shortly after the Tweet, with many Twitter users talking about how Trump may be using Justice to further the idea of the election being fraudulent. Many users also went on to critiques different parts of Justice’s administration, including his handling of the coronavirus.
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Criticisms of Trump included an apparent silence on the deaths of five American Troops due to a helicopter crash in Egypt. The Americans were all members of an international peacekeeping force, the Multinational Force and Observers. The organization released a statement following the crash.
“During a routine mission in the vicinity of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, nine members of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) were involved in a helicopter crash. We are deeply saddened to report that eight uniformed MFO members were killed: six U.S. citizens, one French and one Czech. One U.S. MFO Member survived and was medically evacuated. Names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin,” according to the statement, given to media outlets such as military.com.
The Multinational Force and Observers later drafted a memorial for the victims of the accident on its website.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss on November 12, 2020, of seven of our uniformed military colleagues from three countries who died in a helicopter crash during a routine mission. This included one Czech, one French, and five U.S. MFO members, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these soldiers at this difficult time. We wish the one U.S. MFO Member who survived the crash a speedy recovery. A full investigation of the cause of the crash, which appears to be mechanical in nature, has been launched. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and support of Egypt and Israel.
The incident is a reminder of the sacrifices MFO Members make in support of the cause of peace.” The memorial said.
Many Twitter users commented about how Trump was seemingly ignoring the accident in favor of Tweeting about the election fraud using Trump tweeting about “Big Jim” as an example of him abandoning his responsibilities as president.
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“BREAKING: 5 American troops were killed aboard a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed off the coast of Egypt this morning. Meanwhile Trump has ignored this and instead has tweeted multiple times about fake Election Fraud and “Big Jim” DO SOMETHING!” one user Tweeted.
BREAKING: 5 American troops were killed aboard a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed off the coast of Egypt this morning.
Meanwhile Trump has ignored this and instead has tweeted multiple times about fake Election Fraud and "Big Jim"
DO SOMETHING!
— Heidi Krassenstein (@HKrassenstein) November 12, 2020
“Today, Predator trump is endlessly ranting lies on Twitter praising WV’s trashy Gov Jim Justice as Big Jim for attacking Biden winning and calling himself a Golden Goose. 5 American troops were killed on a Black Hawk helicopter this morning after crashing off the coast of Egypt.” Another user Tweeted.
Today, Predator trump is endlessly ranting lies on Twitter praising WV’s trashy Gov Jim Justice as Big Jim for attacking Biden winning and calling himself a Golden Goose.
5 American troops were killed on a Black Hawk helicopter this morning after crashing off the coast of Egypt.
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) November 12, 2020
Joe Biden made a statement on the crash, extending his condolences to the families of the victims.
“I extend my deep condolences to the loved ones of the peacekeepers, including 6 American service members, who died on Tiran Island, and wish a speedy recovery to the surviving American. I join all Americans in honoring their sacrifice, as I keep their loved ones in my prayers.” Biden Tweeted.
I extend my deep condolences to the loved ones of the peacekeepers, including 6 American service members, who died on Tiran Island, and wish a speedy recovery to the surviving American. I join all Americans in honoring their sacrifice, as I keep their loved ones in my prayers.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 12, 2020
The Tweet drew further ire from Trump’s critics, who saw Trump’s reaction compared to Biden as an issue.
“Donald Trump hasn’t said a single word about this yet, but he did spend an hour on Twitter attacking Fox News,” a user Tweeted.
Donald Trump hasn’t said a single word about this yet, but he did spend an hour on Twitter attacking Fox News.
— Heidi Krassenstein (@HKrassenstein) November 12, 2020
While much of the focus was on Trump, Justice also received high amounts of backlash due to policies before and during the pandemic.
“Big Jim”, “Guvnah” of West Virgina, the state with the HIGHEST DRUG OVERDOSE DEATH RATE in the COUNTRY, praises TRUMP(ironically, the president with the most DEATHS due to lying about the Pandemic) and refuses to acknowledge Joe Biden as the President-elect, which he IS,” another user Tweeted.
https://twitter.com/Allegedly_G/status/1326903328597479434
“See guys, West Virginia has things totally under control with COVID! We only have seen a 70% increase in new cases the past 14 days. And look, things have definitely seemed to flatten out since March! But yet big jim still thinks it’s fine to have schools open!” another user Tweeted.
See guys, West Virginia has things totally under control with COVID! We only have seen a 70% increase in new cases the past 14 days. And look, things have definitely seemed to flatten out since March! But yet big jim still thinks it’s fine to have schools open! ???? pic.twitter.com/s7YRYzCPpp
— Art_by_kef (@BeakerMeep9000) November 12, 2020
Trump has still not acknowledged the helicopter accident yet.
