People have strong reactions to the president's smiling visit to Parkland victims

Cindy Arboleda

President Trump shared images from his visit to a Florida hospital where victims are still recovering after a gunman, armed with an AR-15 rifle, killed 14 students and three teachers Wednesday. In spite of the horrific tragedy, the photos show Trump smiling, happy, even giving a thumbs-up, while he posed with those injured, their families and first responders.

The president shared his thoughts in a tweet with several images with bedside survivors and hospital staff. He wrote, “Our entire Nation, w/one heavy heart, continues to pray for the victims & their families in Parkland, FL. To teachers, law enforcement, first responders & medical professionals who responded so bravely in the face of danger: We THANK YOU for your courage!”

But while the written message seemed heartfelt and appropriate, the Twitterverse can’t fathom why he looks so happy in the pictures.

People voiced their discomfort with the images POTUS, with wife Melania Trump, shared with the world. Some reacted to the images by calling them insincere and just a publicity stunt. Others tweeted that they found the president’s smile “creepy.”

Another Twitter user made a comparison with how former President George W. Bush privately visited the families affected by 9/11. He asked Trump, “Why would you make this a photo op?” Others agreed.

However, other users on the service thanked the president for his visit.

One commented that perhaps the visit had cheered the victims and their families.

Finally, some pointed out that despite the pressure to reconsider gun laws, the president has yet to address or comment on gun violence in the United States.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.