Donald Trump Says 'I Love Hispanics!' in Cinco De Mayo Post
Donald Trump announced his presidential candidacy almost a year ago by calling Mexican immigrants "rapists." Yesterday (May 5), the lone Republican presidential candidate set social media on fire by saying he actually loves Latinos—well, sort of.
Happy #CincoDeMayo! The best taco bowls are made in Trump Tower Grill. I love Hispanics! https://t.co/ufoTeQd8yA pic.twitter.com/k01Mc6CuDI
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 5, 2016
The above tweet and corresponding Facebook post, hashtagged #CincoDeMayo—featuring Trump with a taco salad from a disputed restaurant in his eponymous New York City building—inspired a mix of bemusement and criticism from many social media users. The hashtag #TacoGate tracked some of the most poignant responses:
First we're going to build a wall, then we're going to build a HUUUUGGGGGEEEEEEEE Taco Salad #TacoWall #tacogate https://t.co/XFxK3zshec
— Jermain Garcia (@JermainGarcia) May 5, 2016
Couldn't help but lol. Can't call us rapists & criminals & then say you love us. #Hispanics don't like u #TacoGate https://t.co/XYkcA1SdYj
— Stef (@Steftyem) May 5, 2016
Can't wait for Trump's fried chicken lunch to reach out to African Americans. #TacoGate
— Juan (@jrivera64) May 5, 2016
Trump's post also inspired some ridiculous memes:
Taco Bowls of New York. #tacobowl #Trump #CincoDeMayo pic.twitter.com/VIROt5LNuj
— Dale Seever (@DaleRadio) May 5, 2016
Next on the Trump culinary cultural outreach agenda - Asians. #tacobowl #ilovehispanics #nevertrump pic.twitter.com/gsAxIoHkXy
— Lauren Jackson (@LaurenFayeJacks) May 5, 2016
i think @buzz wins Trump taco bowl photoshop twitter pic.twitter.com/lMMB9weCtK
— Polly Mosendz (@polly) May 5, 2016
Despite this gesture, Trump has not announced changes to his hardline anti-immigration policies.