President Trump stirred controversy on Saturday evening by sharing a strikingly AI-generated video that depicted him dumping brown sludge on protesters while donning a crown and piloting a jet emblazoned with the label KING TRUMP. This unusual post coincided with the nationwide No Kings rallies, which drew nearly seven million participants across all 50 states, uniting to reject the president's agenda.
The big picture reveals a massive grassroots movement, with organizers claiming that over 2,700 lawful and peaceful demonstrations took place throughout the U.S. These rallies echoed a powerful message: America will not be governed by fear, force, or the unchecked ambitions of a single individual.
Trump's apparent reaction to the widespread protests was a bizarre fake video showing him dousing protesters in what appeared to be fecal matter or mud, all while the iconic theme of Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone" played in the background. The video bore a watermark linking it to the account @XERIAS_X, which features a profile picture of Pepe the Frog styled as Trump.
Shortly after sharing the sludge video, Trump also reshared an earlier fake video from Vice President Vance, where he was seen placing a crown upon his own head and brandishing a sword while prominent Democratic lawmakers appeared to bow before him. Additionally, the official White House account shared images of Trump and Vance adorned with crowns, alongside photos of Democratic leaders Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wearing sombreros. This recurring theme of sharing derogatory images of political opponents has drawn criticism from Latino rights groups, who argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
This incident is not isolated; the Trump administration frequently engages in online trolling with seemingly AI-generated posts. Despite Trump’s assertions that he does not consider himself a king, the White House has previously shared imagery depicting him in royal attire. As of now, the White House has not responded to requests for clarification regarding the president's latest post.
Ezra Levin, the co-executive director of Indivisible, commented on Trump's post, stating, "The regime can’t decide if this was a violent insurrection or if it was such a bust that it never happened. Regardless, Trump is clearly pissed." His statement reflects the frustration felt by many in the wake of these protests, which followed a significant demonstration in June that also attracted millions and was organized by a coalition of progressive groups and labor unions.
In the aftermath of the nationwide gatherings, leading Republicans have attempted to downplay the events, framing them as a "hate America" rally and suggesting connections to antifa. However, MoveOn Executive Director Katie Bethell countered this narrative, asserting that the millions in attendance share a profound love for their country—a nation they believe is worth fighting for.
In a Sunday interview on ABC's This Week, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended the rhetoric used by his party, emphasizing that the focus should be on the message and ideology, rather than the individuals involved. Johnson claimed, "If President Trump was a king, they would not have been able to engage in that free speech."
As thousands marched through the streets of the nation’s capital, Trump was in Florida. Democratic and progressive lawmakers participated in rallies across the country, with GOP adversaries attempting to attribute the protests to the Democrats' resistance during the ongoing government shutdown. It’s important to note that the day of resistance was announced weeks before the shutdown began, highlighting the organized effort behind these demonstrations.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the narrative surrounding Trump's leadership and the recent protests remains a significant topic for discussion. For those interested in understanding the dynamics at play, further exploration into Trump's claims of not being a king and the implications of these nationwide protests is essential.
