The White House subsequently reinforced the message on X, featuring an illustration of Trump donning a golden crown on a magazine cover titled ‘Trump’. He was shown in front of the skyline of New York City, with an overlay text that read, “Long Live the King.”
The move prompted a backlash from people about his take on presidential power. New York Governor, Kathy Hochul, in a statement, expressed frustration, saying, “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. Public transit is the lifeblood of New York City and critical to our economic future – as a New Yorker, like President Trump, knows very well.”In a separate address to reporters, she said, “New York hasn’t laboured under a king in over 250 years. We sure as hell are not going to start now … In case you don’t know New Yorkers, we’re going to fight. We do not back down, not now, not ever.”
On X, Don Beyer, a Democratic representative of Virginia, wrote, “We don’t have kings in the USA.”
Justin Brannan, a New York City council member, also criticised his statement, citing the Trump-appointed Justice Department’s order to withdraw prosecutors’ federal corruption prosecution against the city’s mayor, Eric Adams.
“Doesn’t matter what [yo]u think of congestion pricing, the federal government doesn’t get to make this decision. NY State passed a law, USDOT approved it. No matter what corrupt deal Donald Trump made with the Mayor, he isn’t king. Only fools concede to false power. It’s an illusion,” Brannan added.
David Hogg, vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee, reposted the computer-generated magazine of Trump and wrote, “Republicans: Stop overreacting and calling Trump a king. Literally the White House Twitter account.”
The post has also triggered a wave of criticism online. A user wrote, “We’re doomed. Was a great run, America,” another added, “An absolute disgrace. Founding Fathers are rolling in their graves.” “I’m a Republican who voted Trump, but no one man is a king. That’s the ideals of our nation, no kings,” posted another user.
Earlier, Trump hinted at another term when he spoke with congressional Republicans soon after winning the November 2024 election. Trump said, “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good we’ve got to figure something else out.'”
