The following report is a complimentary offering from the MEMRI Iran Threat Monitor Project (ITMP). For more information, write to memri@memri.org with "ITMP Subscription" in the subject line.
On March 31, 2023 pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Telegram channels and channels linked to Iran-backed militias in Iraq celebrated President Donald Trump's indictment by a New York grand jury in connection with his alleged role in a "hush money" scheme in 2016.
Posts in pro-ISIS Telegram channels echoed the sentiment of ISIS's official weekly newsletter, issue 384, in which the editorial claimed civil protests in Israel and "Trump's arrest" are part of the divine punishment inflicted upon the enemies of Islam.
Pro-ISIS Telegram Channels: May Allah Destroy America
A post shared by a pro-ISIS channel claimed that New York police are on high alert, fearing domestic unrest may erupt among Trump's supporters.
Commenting, the post urged Muslims to pray for America's destruction, saying prayers made now, during the fasting month of Ramadan are more likely to be answered.
"Oh Muslims, Oh fasting people, in this holy month you are closer to your Lord, so pray to Him, who is the Powerful, the Mighty, to sow discord in their hearts, to destroy their homeland, and to grant the Muslims relief from this tyranny [of the U.S.]," it said.
It went on to add: "Lord, destroy America, Oh Allah, destroy its land, divide its communities, and make it an example to others, Oh Allah, defeat the [political] parties, defeat America."
Similarly, a Telegram channel reported that "after the decision to arrest Trump, the New York Police Department asked its officers to be on alert for any potential unrest."
The channel used the same hashtag, "American in turmoil," praying to Allah to spread discord among Americans.
Iran-backed militias in Iraq, who repeatedly threaten to avenge the 2020 drone strike killing IRGC Qods Force Commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi PMU Commander Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, ordered by President Trump, published posts mocking the former president and anticipating a guilty verdict
Channels Linked To Iraqi Militias: Trump Will Be Jailed
A channel quoted President Trump's lawyer as saying that he has reached a deal with the District Attorney in New York to ensure he is taken into police custody without being handcuffed in a public "perp walk."
The post featured a poster depicting President Trump sitting in a jail, wearing an orange jumpsuit and looking defeated.
The full text of this post is available to subscribers.
Please login or register to request subscription information from MEMRI
