Declaration of Independence Riles Some Trump Supporters

NPR tweeted the entire document, which confused some
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 5, 2017 1:32 PM CDT
Declaration of Independence Riles Some Trump Supporters
This undated file photo shows John Hancock's signature on the Declaration of Independence, which was formally signed by 56 members of Congress beginning Aug. 2, 1776.   (Uncredited)

NPR marked the Fourth of July by tweeting the entire Declaration of Independence, but it seems some Twitter users didn't recognize what they were reading. The AP reports the broadcaster tweeted out the words of the declaration line-by-line Tuesday. Some of the founders' criticisms of King George III were met with angry responses from supporters of President Trump, who seemed to believe the tweets were a reference to his presidency. One tweet read, "A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people." Another said: "and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation."

A Twitter user accused NPR of condoning violence while trying to sound patriotic. The user apologized after the misunderstanding was pointed out. Another asked if the tweet was talking about the US' current foreign agenda, asking if Americans were the tyrants. Others were under the impression NPR was trying to provoke Trump with the tweets and praised the outlet for doing so. Many, recognizing it was the Declaration of Independence, said how history is repeating itself. NPR broadcast its annual reading of the declaration for the 29th straight year on Independence Day. This is the first year the tradition has been extended to Twitter. A spokesperson says the tweets were shared by thousands of people and generated "a lively conversation." (More Declaration of Independence stories.)

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