A Nation Divided: Birthday Messages to Trump on His 80th

A collection of public figures published birthday messages to former US President Donald Trump on his 80th birthday, with reactions ranging from criticism to praise. The messages were compiled by The Guardian and were published alongside a separate opinion piece by human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson.

Overview of Messages

The responses to Trump's birthday included a variety of perspectives:

Criticism

Several writers condemned Trump's policies.

• Activist Greta Thunberg offered a sarcastic gift suggestion.
• Author Jennifer Egan listed what she described as negative accomplishments.
• Author Siri Hustvedt criticized Trump's "Magaverse" and his age.
• Journalist Afua Hirsch described Trump as an "anti-elder."
• Journalist Arwa Mahdawi linked his administration's actions to humanitarian crises.

Praise

Some writers acknowledged his impact on specific issues.

Author Cory Doctorow stated: "You have done more to de-dollarise the world than any American leader in history."

Broadcaster Piers Morgan said: "You may be the most polarising, divisive, controversial and inflammatory president in US history. But nobody can deny you have the resilient skin of a thousand rhinos."

Authors Bill McKibben and Peter Frankopan noted Trump's role in renewable energy adoption.

Mixed

Other writers offered backhanded compliments or personal anecdotes, including journalist Jon Sopel, former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, and author Sidney Blumenthal.

Notable Statements

Piers Morgan acknowledged Trump's resilience despite his polarizing nature.

Greta Thunberg stated: "I will instead give you a can of alphabet soup; the sentences you poop out will be more coherent than anything you have ever said."

Jennifer Egan noted: "By any measure, you have racked up a staggering number of accomplishments in your 80 years."

Peter Frankopan said: "Perhaps most important is your commitment to renewable energy. Your decision to attack Iran helped accelerate a shift away from hydrocarbons."

Geoffrey Robertson's Opinion Piece

Human rights barrister and author Geoffrey Robertson published a separate opinion piece on June 15, 2026, addressing Donald Trump on his birthday. The piece is an opinion article, not a news report, and reflects the author's personal views.

Robertson criticized Trump's leadership, policies, and personal conduct. Specific claims in the opinion piece include:

• Trump's actions have allegedly made America less trustworthy among allies.
• US forces allegedly committed war crimes in Iran.
• Trump's administration allegedly cut USAID, leading to deaths.
• Trump's support for Israeli leaders indicted for war crimes.
• Trump's deal with Iran was described as inferior to a previous deal by Barack Obama.

Robertson stated: "Your actions and those of your supporters have made the American race deplorable."

He also claimed: "Nations that were once your proudest allies cannot trust you and want no part of the wars you monger."

He further alleged: "US forces committed war crimes by bombing reservoirs supplying water to its dehydrated citizens."

Note: The content from Geoffrey Robertson is an opinion piece and contains subjective claims.