People outraged after White House shares bold four-word statement about Donald Trump with bizarre photo
The photograph was captured following President Trump’s administration’s move to block a controversial toll program in New York City.
President Trump, 78, recently stirred up debate with a bold statement on his personal social media platform, Truth Social, on Wednesday, February 19. Referring to himself as a “king,” Trump declared, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. All of New York City, including Manhattan, has been saved. CONGRATULATIONS to the King!”
This self-proclaimed title has sparked criticism from some, who now question whether the United States is still a democracy—or if it’s leaning toward something more akin to a monarchy.
After the Trump administration moved to block New York City’s congestion pricing program—set to charge vehicles entering certain parts of the city—President Trump shared a bold message.
According to the BBC, the White House argued that the federal government holds authority over the roads leading into New York, adding that the proposed toll would disproportionately impact working-class residents in the area.
The official White House X account later amplified Trump’s message, pairing it with an image styled to resemble the cover of TIME magazine, further highlighting his opposition to the toll.
The image, featuring the words “LONG LIVE THE KING” in the lower left corner, depicted the 47th President of the United States adorned with a crown.
This digitally created post quickly sparked a wave of reactions across social media. One user expressed their disbelief, writing on X, “Isn’t the whole point of America’s existence to avoid having a monarch?” Another added, “I thought we were living in a democracy, not a monarchy.”
Another individual fired back, saying, “We literally fought a revolution to NOT have a king,” referencing the American Revolution from 1765 to 1783. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also weighed in on the fake magazine cover, sharing his thoughts publicly.
In a statement, he declared, “As Governor of Illinois, my oath is to the Constitution of our state and our nation.” He firmly added, “We don’t have kings in America, and I won’t bend the knee to one.”
On the other hand, many Trump supporters voiced their approval of the provocative post, with one fan commenting, “He looks good in a crown, definitely should get one.”
Another person remarked, “It seems like someone’s in a luxurious mood today! At this very moment, the crown emoji is practically a must.” A third supporter proudly added, “I voted for this!”
Meanwhile, in a meeting with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the newly appointed Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, made it clear that he would be withdrawing his support for the program, calling it a “slap in the face to working-class Americans.”
“Commuters who use the highway system to enter New York City have already contributed to the construction and improvement of these roads through gas taxes and other fees,” he explained to reporters.
The toll policy, according to Duffy, leaves drivers with no free alternative routes, unfairly siphoning more money from hard-working people to fund a transit system instead of investing in the highways. “It’s a bit backward and unjust,” he added.
In response, Governor Kathy Hochul fired back, stating that the state hasn’t “labored under a king in over 250 years.” She made it clear, “We are certainly not going to start now. If you’re unfamiliar with New Yorkers, this will be a fight. We’re not backing down—now or ever.”
State authorities in New York have vowed to “fight” President Trump’s administration over the proposed $9 congestion fee, which they argue would help address the city’s growing traffic congestion. According to the BBC, the toll would apply to vehicles entering Manhattan from 60th Street down to the Financial District between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
Transportation officials believe the program could have multiple benefits, such as helping first responders reach emergencies more quickly. They also argue that the funds generated from the tolls would be directed toward revitalizing New York’s subway system, improving the city’s public transportation network in the process.
