Social Media Erupts Over Congressman’s Reaction to Trump Job Cuts — After His Death

(J. Scott Applewhite/AP photo)

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) decried President Donald Trump’s move to cut thousands of jobs at the U.S. Department of Education in a long post on X Thursday, but there was one problem — he was dead at the time.

The post from Grijalva’s official X account, posted at 3:16 p.m. Thursday, slammed the president’s decision — but Grijalva had died that morning, according to a statement from his family that read, “The Office of the 7th District of Arizona is saddened to announce the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva. Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle. He passed away this morning due to complications of his cancer treatments.”

Right-leaning X users were quick to point out that words appeared to be putting words in the late congressman’s mouth.

“Whoever wrote the above post is impersonating a deceased Congressman,” replied Elon Musk.

Grijalva was the second Democratic member of Congress to have passed away in as many weeks.  Sylvester Turner died on March 4, just hours after Trump delivered a speech before a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill.