Trump Lashes Out at Media, Democrats, and Fertilizer Industry

Former president unleashes social media tirade over taxes, economic policies, and geopolitics

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting depicting the crumbling of a government building or political symbol, with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of bold, contrasting colors, conceptually representing the divisive political landscape.Trump's social media outbursts expose the divisive and combative nature of his political brand, even after leaving office.Charlottesville Today

Former President Donald Trump went on a wide-ranging social media attack, lashing out at Democratic governors, the media, and even the fertilizer industry. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump criticized Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger over tax increases, accused the media of losing credibility, and threatened to take action against the 'fertilizer monopoly' over rising prices.

Why it matters

Trump's outbursts highlight his continued influence within the Republican party and his willingness to use social media to attack perceived political enemies. The former president's broadsides against state leaders, the media, and private industries reflect his ongoing efforts to shape the political narrative, even after leaving office.

The details

Trump began his tirade by attacking Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, accusing her of implementing harmful tax increases that have driven businesses and residents out of the state. He then turned his ire towards the 'fake news media,' criticizing their coverage of Iran and claiming the country's military capabilities have been decimated. Finally, Trump threatened to take action against the 'fertilizer monopoly,' citing concerns over rising prices that have impacted American farmers.

  • Trump posted the social media rants early Friday morning after returning late Thursday night from a $1 million-per-person fundraiser at the Trump Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, known for his combative social media presence and willingness to attack political opponents.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia, whom Trump accused of implementing harmful tax policies and driving businesses out of the state.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Heading to Virginia for meetings at Trump National. I can't believe what this new Governor, Spanberger, has done to the Commonwealth — So sad! She is adding so many Taxes, a Food and Beverage Tax, Digital Services Tax, Utilities Tax, and more. It has lost its Energy, Vitality, and Strength. People are leaving that would never have even thought of doing so!”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“The Fake News Media has lost total credibility, not that they had any to begin with. Because of their massive Trump Derangement Syndrome (Sometimes referred to as TDS!), they love saying that Iran is 'winning' when, in fact, everyone knows that they are LOSING, and LOSING BIG!”

— Donald Trump, Former President

What’s next

The former president's social media outbursts are likely to continue as he maintains a prominent role within the Republican party and seeks to influence the political discourse.

The takeaway

Trump's latest tirade underscores his ongoing efforts to shape the political narrative and attack perceived adversaries, even after leaving office. His willingness to lash out at state leaders, the media, and private industries highlights the former president's continued influence and the divisive nature of his political brand.