Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy just posted a rant video to Twitter complaining about The White House selling coins commemorating former President Trump's indictment, which would certainly be in "poor taste"—if only it were true.
Unfortunately for Cassidy, "The White House Gift Shop" is not in any way under the control of The White House.
According to the business' website, The White House Gift Shop was created in 1946. It was originally known as the White House Flower Fund, but has since become a privately-owned business.
Cassidy began his video with the phrase "Outrage of the day," which perfectly encapsulates many members of the GOP's need to always find something to be angry about.
He then proceeded to expound on why the commemorative coin is inappropriate and implored the White House Gift Shop to "have a sense of decency."
You can view Cassidy's full video below.
\u201cThe White House Gift Shop should not be selling a commemorative coin marking Donald Trump\u2019s indictment. This is totally outrageous.\u201d— Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@Bill Cassidy, M.D.) 1686616032
CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale quote-tweeted Cassidy's video with a quick fact check to help him out.
\u201cThe White House Gift Shop is a private company that has not had a connection to the actual White House for many years. It is nonpartisanly capitalist and sells weirdo coins for every occasion; in 2020 it sold a \u201cTrump defeats Covid\u201d coin to mark his emergence from the hospital.\u201d— Daniel Dale (@Daniel Dale) 1686666904
People were largely unsurprised by Cassidy's reaction and lack of fact-checking before getting mad about something.
Many thought the coin was hilarious.
\u201c@ddale8 @RussellFosterTX And it would have been so easy for him to check.\u201d— Daniel Dale (@Daniel Dale) 1686666904
\u201c@ddale8 The only reason they should stop selling it is because it is not rare anymore. Over the next couple months you won't even remember which indictment you bought the coin for\u201d— Daniel Dale (@Daniel Dale) 1686666904
\u201c@ddale8 Hahahaha thanks for the info and now imma gonna get me an indictment coin \ud83d\ude1d\u201d— Daniel Dale (@Daniel Dale) 1686666904
\u201c@ddale8 I'm waiting for the 4 piece proof set that will cover all 4 of the indictment sets. A real collectable that is sure to gain in value. Also, great for Xmas gifts to the Magas in your family!\u201d— Daniel Dale (@Daniel Dale) 1686666904
\u201c@ddale8 @chrislhayes that being said, where can I purchase said Indictment coin online \ud83d\ude02\u201d— Daniel Dale (@Daniel Dale) 1686666904
\u201c@ddale8 @joncoopertweets Is this going to be part of a collector series? Will there be a coin for his prior indictment and those forthcoming? Hopefully they\u2019re numbered.\u201d— Daniel Dale (@Daniel Dale) 1686666904
\u201c@ddale8 @maddow Why should Trump be the only one to monetize his own indictment? Let\u2019s face it he\u2019s making lots of money, grifting fundraising with these indictments.\u201d— Daniel Dale (@Daniel Dale) 1686666904
As Dale pointed out, this isn't the first bizarre commemorative coin the White House Gift Shop has sold that sparked some feelings online.
It's not even the first to mock Trump.
Back in 2020, they sold a coin to commemorate Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic entitled "PRESIDENT TRUMP DEFEATS COVID AND HIS FIRST TERM AS PRESIDENT."
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