As the gears of the political machine turn with the 2024 primary race underway, former President Donald Trump’s understanding of magnetism has recently come under scrutiny. At an Iowa rally, Trump sparked a ripple of disbelief with his claim about the functionality of magnets when submerged in water. “All I know about magnets is this, give me a glass of water, let me drop it on the magnets, that’s the end of the magnets,” he stated, questioning the U.S. Navy’s decision to use magnetic technology for aircraft carrier elevators.
The internet community did not take long to respond to Trump’s assertions. Social media, rife with experts and enthusiasts alike, dived into a scientific fact-check, affirming that magnets do indeed work underwater and are not impeded by water in any manner. “Magnets work underwater and are not affected by water. Magnetic fields are not the same as electrical circuits,” read a community note on a video of Trump’s comment. This stands in contrast to Trump’s skepticism, particularly in an era where magnetic technology is routinely used in various underwater applications, from salvage operations to medical imaging devices.
The reaction to Trump’s comments was not just limited to clarifying the science. Some commenters employed irony, like MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell who described Trump’s statement as “relentlessly stupid.” Others saw the episode as an odd juxtaposition to the ongoing political discourse surrounding the cognitive acuity of presidential candidates. Pedro Gonzalez, a social media influencer and supporter of Ron DeSantis, remarked, “You know I think this is going to make it hard for them to argue Biden is mentally unfit.”
Trump’s comments were made amidst a whirlwind of controversial statements on a variety of subjects, including criticisms of the Civil War and former Senator John McCain. His political rhetoric, ranging from the historical to the scientific, has repeatedly attracted attention and incited debate. Nonetheless, Trump’s supporters seem unphased by his unconventional approach. As one supporter noted, Trump’s direct and assertive style is preferable to beating around the bush.
Relevant articles:
– Trump Mocked After Claiming Magnets Don’t Work Underwater at Rally – ‘All I know about magnets is this, give me a glass of water, let me drop it on the magnets, that’s the end of the magnets,’ Trump declared
– Trump sounds off on the Civil War, again goes after John McCain and criticizes magnets
– Donald Trump’s Latest ‘Relentlessly Stupid’ Ramble Attracts One Hell Of A Fact Check