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On Sunday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, sharing an article that featured an image of a symbol historically used by Nazis to label gay men during the Holocaust.
The opinion piece published in The Washington Times, titled “Army recruitment ads look quite different under Trump,” features an illustrated TV screen showcasing an upside-down pink triangle crossed out by a red “no” symbol.
Historically, the pink triangle was utilized as a badge for gay men in concentration camps, who often faced particularly brutal treatment before they met their fate, according to historians and LGBTQ+ activist groups. However, in later years, the pink triangle has been reappropriated by the LGBTQ+ community, becoming a symbol of pride and activism.
When asked for a statement regarding Trump’s post, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers asserted, “No president has been a greater friend to the Jewish community and Israel than President Trump.”
Keshet, an LGBTQ+ Jewish non-profit organization, expressed to USA TODAY its “horror” upon discovering Trump’s post. Here’s a brief history of the symbol.
What is the history and meaning of the pink triangle?
The National Center for Lesbian Rights notes that Germany had a vibrant LGBTQ+ community in the early 20th century. However, prejudice—particularly against gay men—intensified as the Nazis pursued their vision of an “Aryan” race.
Between 1933 and 1945, around 100,000 queer men were arrested, and over 15,000 were sent to concentration camps where they were marked with pink triangles, according to the Pink Triangle Memorial in San Francisco.
The pink triangle signified that the men wearing it were deemed “bottom tier,” as reported by the NCLR, with an estimated 60% of them perishing.
In the latter half of the 20th century, LGBTQ+ groups embraced the symbol as a sign of pride. Notably, a right-side-up pink triangle was utilized in ACT UP’s “Silence=Death” campaign to raise awareness about AIDS. The NCLR also observes that pink triangles are now common on flags and signs during LGBTQ+ events globally.
“The triangle – now upright – reminds us that we must prevent the repetition of history,” reads a June 2024 statement from the NCLR. “We must never lose sight of the symbolism and history that the pink triangle represents, and recommit ourselves to a future aimed at liberation for all.”
Pink triangle featured in Washington Times opinion piece shared by Trump
The upside-down pink triangle appeared in a Washington Times opinion piece by Jeremy Hunt, chairman of the advocacy group Veterans on Duty, which discussed how military recruitment ads have shifted positively away from LGBTQ+ pride themes.
Trump shared this opinion piece on Truth Social without any additional remarks.
“Such actions evoke frightening memories for both LGBTQ+ individuals and Jews of our long histories of persecution, which have included tactics we are witnessing today, such as scapegoating, book censorship, limiting access to information, and the control/confiscation of identity documents like passports,” stated Keshet President and CEO Idit Klein in a statement sent to USA TODAY.
When asked whether Trump was aware of the symbol’s history or supported the article’s claims, spokesperson Rogers highlighted Trump’s efforts for the Jewish community during his early presidency.
“President Trump signed an Executive Order to tackle anti-Semitism on college campuses, cut funds for institutions condoning violence against Jewish students, fulfilled his promise to deport pro-Hamas immigrants, secured the return of American and Israeli hostages from terrorists to their families, and successfully negotiated a ceasefire in Gaza,” she stated in an emailed note.
Under Trump’s directives, federal agencies have started to dissolve diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, while mentions of gender and the transgender community have been removed from government websites.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has implemented Trump’s directives, posting a message indicating, “DoD ≠ DEI…no exceptions, name changes, or delays. Anyone who does not comply will no longer hold their positions here.”
The Washington Times did not comment when approached by USA TODAY for a response.
Klein mentioned that a majority of Americans are in favor of LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination policies.
“We hope that this majority will raise their voices to oppose these attacks and demand dignity for all people.”
Contributing: Lauren Villagran, Jessica Guynn
Kinsey Crowley is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social.
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