You’ve seen his tweet thanking supporters for congratulating him over “being right on radical Islamic terrorism,” his wild theory about Trump Tower supposedly being “tapped” by President Obama, and his now-infamous Cinco de Mayo taco bowl, but did you know that Donald Trump was sending bad tweets long before he became president of the United States?
It’s true! Between attacking women for their looks, claiming he predicted mass tragedies, and kickstarting public hysteria over the 2014 West Africa Ebola outbreak, Trump has engaged in extremely questionable Twitter activity for many years. Although his most recent racist, xenophobic, and anti-Semitic tweets get the most attention, it’s his older tweets that really provide insight into the man elected leader of the free world in 2016.
Here are a few stand-outs. (Browse at your own risk.)
Note: The following content contains language that is NSFW.
When he claimed to have predicted the 9/11 terrorism attacks while promoting his books
I predicted the 9/11 attack on America in my book "The America We Deserve" and the collapse of Iraq in @TimeToGetTough.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 29, 2011
When he called Jon Stewart a “pussy”
@caaataclysm Little Jon Stewart(?) Is a pussy, he would be hopeless in a debate with me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 11, 2013
When he shared the worst daily affirmation
"@MarkMcGrath87: @realDonaldTrump You have a cunty demeanor." True!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 6, 2013
When nobody respected women more than him
.@ariannahuff is unattractive both inside and out. I fully understand why her former husband left her for a man- he made a good decision.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 28, 2012
How much money is the extremely unattractive (both inside and out) Arianna Huffington paying her poor ex-hubby for the use of his name?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2015
Huffington Post is just upset that I said its purchase by AOL has been a disaster and that Arianna Huffington is ugly both inside and out!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 20, 2014
.@BetteMidler talks about my hair but I'm not allowed to talk about her ugly face or body — so I won't. Is this a double standard?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 28, 2012
While @BetteMidler is an extremely unattractive woman, I refuse to say that because I always insist on being politically correct.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 28, 2012
When he went through a phase in which he called everyone an “asshole”
"@realBrianBuxton: @fluffyguy why is @realDonaldTrump even at a @wwe event?" Ratings asshole – I'll bet in life you are a very big failure!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2013
"@dlayphoto: @realDonaldTrump Is that why you’ve filed for bankruptcy numerous times?" I never filed for bankruptcy asshole!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 9, 2013
"@Redcoat_Overkil: @realdonaldtrump But his hair is real!" So is mine, asshole!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2013
"@newnonny: @realDonaldTrump @sroyboyk prove it. And while you're at it, prove your alleged IQ as well." The highest, asshole!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 30, 2013
"@johnnyhabit: @realDonaldTrump why the fuck do I even follow you? Because you're addicted to genius, asshole!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 3, 2014
When he defended Paula Deen’s racism
"@EDM___HEAD: @realDonaldTrump @EdandBev lyin ass nigga" Why does Paula D get destroyed and you can use the "N" word so freely, asshole?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2013
"@dentstwitt: @EDM___HEAD @realDonaldTrump @EdandBev My question is did MLK Jr. use the 'N' word? No, only Paula Dean used it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2013
"@ctobin22: @realDonaldTrump any advise for battered Paula dean? Her ship has been sinking .." She must get back to work & stop apologizing!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2013
When he hoped Ebola would end the real crisis
Something very important, and indeed society changing, may come out of the Ebola epidemic that will be a very good thing: NO SHAKING HANDS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2014
When he was mad online during multiple Oscars broadcasts
Django Unchained is the most racist movie I have ever seen, it sucked!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2013
I'm having a real hard time watching the Academy Awards (so far). The last song was terrible! Kim should sue her plastic surgeon! #Oscars
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 3, 2014
I don't know how much longer I can take this bullshit – so terrible! #Oscars
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 3, 2014
This cannot be the the Academy Awards #Oscars AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 3, 2014
"@benjamin_mayne: @realDonaldTrump You've won me over. Great job tonight." I'm not trying to win anyone over, it really sucks! #Oscars
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 3, 2014
The Oscars are a sad joke, very much like our President. So many things are wrong!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 23, 2015
The Oscars were a great night for Mexico & why not—they are ripping off the US more than almost any other nation.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2015
When the origin of his Oscars grudge became obvious
"@NinjaDomoEsq: @realDonaldTrump should have at least been nominated for an Oscar in Home Alone 2." I agree!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2013
When he revealed he was Team Edward
Robert Pattinson should not take back Kristen Stewart. She cheated on him like a dog & will do it again–just watch. He can do much better!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2012
Lots of response to my Pattinson/Kristen Stewart reunion. She will cheat again–100 certain–am I ever wrong?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2012
So many tweets & stories on Stewart/Pattinson Look, it doesn't matter– the relationship will never be the same. It is permanently broken.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 19, 2012
Everyone knows I am right that Robert Pattinson should dump Kristen Stewart. In a couple of years, he will thank me. Be smart, Robert.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 22, 2012
Miss Universe 2012 Pageant will be airing live on @nbc & @Telemundo december 19th. Open invite stands for Robert Pattinson.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2012
Robert Pattinson is putting on a good face for the release of Twilight. He took my advice on Kristen Stewart…I hope!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2012
After Friday’s Twilight release, I hope Robert Pattinson will not be seen in public with Kristen–she will cheat on him again!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2012
When he appreciated the congrats for Lady Gaga
@RickyTheBitch @ladygaga I think Gaga is great–her 1st major appearance at my Miss Universe Pageant in Vietnam/6 yrs ago Should give me 25%
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 19, 2012
When he claimed to be “the best bball player” in New York
I played football and baseball, sorry, but said to be the best bball player in N.Y. State-ask coach Ted Dobias-said best he ever coached.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 3, 2013
Note: Dobias was quoted as saying Trump was scouted by the Boston Red Sox, but there is no independent verification of “the best bball player in N.Y. State.”
When he implied a fractured ankle was karma for moving out of Trump Tower
Derek Jeter broke ankle one day after he sold his apartment in Trump World Tower.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 21, 2012
When he tried to talk about sports
I remained strong for @TigerWoods during his difficult period. He rewarded me (and himself) by winning at Trump National Doral.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 20, 2013
I'm watching Knicks game-I'd bet all of those guys with the terrible tattoos wish they never got them-too bad, too late!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2013
Teams are making a big mistake not taking Johnny Manziel – he is going to be really good (and exciting to watch).
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 9, 2014
The @nyjets are going to have a terrific season. @Mark_Sanchez & @TimTebow will do great things on the field.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 27, 2012
When he sent this just 21 months after Steve Jobs’ death
So, lets get this right. Steve Jobs dies and leaves his wife everything-billions of dollars. Now his wife has a boyfriend (lover). Oh Steve!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2013
When he live-tweeted plane crashes
Would seem that plane landed short of runway in San Francisco!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 6, 2013
The San Fran crash was totally the pilot's fault – may be too late for drug testing, RIDICULOUS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2013
Plane was carrying those terrible lithium ion batteries, which are highly combustible, as cargo. Fire could have started in cockpit.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 20, 2014
The girlfriend of Lubitz, the wacko co-pilot who took down the plane, knew he was insane and should have reported him. Put her through hell
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 29, 2015
We're spending a fortune looking for the lost plane with mostly Chinese passengers, and that's OK-but how much are Russia & China spending?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 20, 2014
How amazing, the State Health Director who verified copies of Obama’s “birth certificate” died in plane crash today. All others lived
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2013
When he sent these cries for help
It makes me feel so good to hit "sleazebags" back — much better than seeing a psychiatrist (which I never have!)
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2012
I know some of you may think l'm tough and harsh but actually I'm a very compassionate person (with a very high IQ) with strong common sense
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2013
When he revealed his deep-seated hatred of sharks
Sorry folks, I'm just not a fan of sharks – and don't worry, they will be around long after we are gone.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2013
Sharks are last on my list – other than perhaps the losers and haters of the World!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2013
"@KrisztinaO: @realDonaldTrump where we going???" If our leaders don't get nuclear weapons under control, the sharks won't have us to eat!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2013
When he engaged in this mind-boggling dialogue
What my father really gave me is a good (great) brain, motivation and the benefit of his experience-unlike the haters and losers (lazy!).
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 29, 2013
"@YoungBasedGod_g: @realDonaldTrump your dad gives good brain?? Damn" It's called genes!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 29, 2013
When he sent a tweet that will be studied by future generations*
"@catpenis: @realDonaldTrump I respect your integrity sir. Rock on."
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2014
(*Assuming civilization still exists.)