President Donald Trump has been increasingly entwined with monarchical imagery, reshaping the federal government to mirror his vision.
The Royal Trump
Trump recently proclaimed on Truth Social, his social media platform, ‘CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!’
The White House further echoed this sentiment with a parody TIME magazine cover featuring Trump adorned with a crown against the backdrop of New York City.
A Divine Aura
This trend follows Trump’s penchant for hyperbole and larger-than-life theatrics, heightened by his supporters’ almost divine adulation post an assassination attempt.
His survival at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania elicited remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, where he emphasized the power of faith in defying odds.
Image Is Everything
Trump meticulously curates his image and brand, from event setups to Cabinet selections, aiming for a ‘central casting’ allure.
His defiant image from the Pennsylvania rally has morphed into an iconic representation of American defiance.
The King’s Decree
Amidst contemplations of a third term, Trump’s imagery focuses on kingship rather than presidency, exemplified in posts like ‘He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.’
This imagery aligns with his efforts to consolidate power, evident in executive orders and workforce purges.
Opposition and Concerns
Trump’s royal allusions have stirred opposition, with concerns of authoritarianism mounting as he centralizes power and challenges checks and balances.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul rebukes the notion of a king ruling New York, emphasizing the nation’s democratic roots.
