Trump Mocked for Misidentifying Bird in Latest Windmill Post

UPDATE: President Donald Trump is facing widespread ridicule after he mistakenly identified a falcon as a bald eagle in a recent post on Truth Social. The post, shared on the evening of December 30, 2023, included an image of a dead bird in front of a wind turbine, captioned, “Windmills are killing all of our beautiful Bald Eagles!” However, the photo was taken in Israel in 2017 and depicts a falcon, not an eagle.

Critics quickly seized the opportunity to mock Trump. California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted, “Dozy Don doesn’t know what America’s bird looks like???” The backlash intensified as social media users highlighted the error, with many calling it emblematic of Trump’s ongoing criticism of wind energy’s impact on wildlife.

The image originally appeared in an article by Haaretz, which discussed the impact of wind turbines on bird populations. The post’s mishap was further complicated by the fact that it was reshared by both the White House’s Rapid Response account and the U.S. Department of Energy, prompting a community note clarifying that the bird was a falcon, likely a kestrel.

Why This Matters: Trump’s long-standing critique of wind turbines, particularly their supposed threat to bald eagles, adds weight to his gaffe. He previously stated at a 2019 conference, “A windmill will kill many bald eagles,” and reiterated his concerns at a 2023 rally, claiming that windmills are responsible for thousands of eagle fatalities. However, a fact-check by Newsweek debunked this assertion, indicating a significant discrepancy between Trump’s claims and actual data.

In February 2023, a study from New Mexico State University revealed that golden eagle fatalities due to turbine collisions had more than doubled from 110 in 2013 to 270 in 2024. Additionally, the wind energy company ESI Energy Inc. was fined over $8 million after admitting responsibility for the deaths of at least 150 bald and golden eagles at its facilities since 2012.

What’s Next: The Department of the Interior recently paused leases for all large-scale offshore wind projects in the U.S., adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future of wind energy in the country. However, a federal judge in Massachusetts has overturned an executive order from Trump aimed at halting these projects, highlighting the contentious nature of this issue.

As the debate over wind energy continues, Trump’s latest blunder has sparked both humor and significant discourse online, reflecting the polarized nature of American politics. The incident serves as a reminder of the intersection between environmental policy and public perception, especially as Trump prepares for potential future campaigns.

Stay tuned for more developments as reactions pour in and the conversation evolves.