On Wednesday, former GOP strategist and frequent CNN guest Rick Wilson used Twitter to mock Melania Trump. Wilson jokingly posted an article about Melania appearing in public service announcements about the coronavirus and captioned it with #BeInfected.
The #BeInfected hashtag was a direct dig at Melania’s anti-bullying campaign #BeBest.
Also, on Wednesday the White House made the announcement about Melania’s upcoming appearance in a public service announcement on the virus. Reportedly there will be a series of public service announcements coming from the White House that will feature Melania Trump as well as members of the corona task force. The purpose of the PSA is to address the ways Americans can protect themselves from the virus.
Wilson’s #BeInfected tweet received some major backlash from Trump supporters. The backlash continued even after Wilson stated that the post was mocking Trump’s #BeBest campaign not actually wishing she be infected.
“Some really shameful stuff here, @TheRickWilson,” Washington Examiner reporter Jerry Dunleavy responded.
“This is garbage, and you are a grown-ass adult who should know better,” The Daily Wire’s Jessica Fletcher said.
“@TheRickWilson you’re a disgusting creep,” former CNN contributor Steve Cortes tweeted.
“What is wrong with you?” GOP spokesperson Elizabeth Harrington asked.
“This is the most insidious & hateful rhetoric of anyone who exists in political punditry. Rick Wilson is wishing Coronavirus on Melania Trump. It doesn’t matter if the wish is aimed at a First Lady, or a doctor, a teacher, a policewoman. It is despicable. He deserves no platform,” The Hill’s Joe Concha said.