The President of the United States, Donald Trump, reacted this Sunday to the massive "No Kings" protests —which mobilized millions of citizens in over 2,700 cities across the country— with a controversial video posted on his social media platform Truth Social, where he was seen piloting a fighter jet with a crown on his head and the name "KING TRUMP" painted on the fuselage.
In the images, Trump is seen in the cockpit of an F-16 with a serious expression, while the aircraft flies over urban areas. In a subsequent sequence, the pilot drops what appear to be piles of excrement onto crowds marching in the streets, clearly alluding to the protesters who participated in demonstrations against his administration.
The video, lasting about twenty seconds, was shared with the tag “@realDonaldTrump” and quickly sparked a wave of criticism for its mocking tone and for being viewed as a direct provocation towards the citizens who peacefully demonstrated on Saturday under the slogan “No Kings.”
The publication comes just hours after more than seven million Americans protested against what they describe as the authoritarian drift of the president and his attempt to concentrate executive power.
Additionally, Trump shared another video originally posted by Vice President J.D. Vance, in which he is seen donning a crown and a fur cape while wielding a sword, as several Democratic congress members —including Nancy Pelosi— kneel before him.
The black-and-white montage presented the leader as a crowned monarch under the title “King Trump.” The publication, released on Friday afternoon, was interpreted as a direct mockery of the “No Kings” movement and a political provocation amid the growing social unrest.
Several analysts noted that Trump's post aims to ridicule the protesters and reinforce his narrative of strength and leadership, at a time when he is facing increasing public backlash. The montage was created using artificial intelligence and signed with the name of the digital creator "XERIAS_X".
The Democratic opposition described the video as "an offense to the American people" and "yet another display of Trump's contempt for freedom of expression." On social media, thousands of users labeled the material as "vulgar," "authoritarian," and "shameful for a president."
Meanwhile, there were no official comments from the White House. However, sources close to Trump told conservative media that the video was "a patriotic satire" and a "humorous response" to those who, according to him, "are trying to overthrow a legitimately elected leader."
The message, far from calming the tensions, has intensified the national debate about Trump's leadership style and the deterioration of the political climate in the United States.
Filed under: