...
By Theo Burman
Live News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The White House has released photos styling President Donald Trump as a king on social media.
The administration's official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a fake paper cover in the style of Time Magazine, with the caption: "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!"
Why It Matters
In the initial stages of his second presidency, Trump has faced criticism for his consistent use of executive orders to make changes to the federal government. The images give his critics, who fear he is consolidating power in the executive branch at the expense of courts, more ammunition.
Read More
Nearly Twice as Many Americans View Trump as ‘Dictator’ Than Zelensky4 min read
Putin Ally Cheers ‘Cherry’ on Top of Donald Trump’s Ukraine Criticism5 min read
What To Know
On Wednesday, the White House's official X account released the image, which appears to be AI-generated.
The post, captioned with the phrase "Long live the King," references a recent Truth social post made by Trump about congestion pricing in New York City.
The post was made shortly after the White House issued orders to halt New York's new congestion pricing system, which went into effect in Manhattan earlier this year.
The image was supported by Trump supporters online, as well as staff within his administration. Another image of Trump as a king in full coronation regalia, similar to that of British monarchs, was shared by Taylor Budowich, the White House deputy chief of staff.
"LONG LIVE THE KING," one supporter wrote on social media. "The only leader who can bring America back to greatness. King Trump reigns supreme!"
Many of Trump's critics, including high-ranking members of the Democratic Party, said that a king ran against many of the principles of the Constitution, which was designed to oppose the British monarchy.
...
What People Are Saying
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said on social media: "I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their efforts to halt the current congestion pricing program.
"While I have consistently expressed openness to a form of congestion pricing, the current program lines the MTA's pockets at the expense of New Jerseyans."
Jon Orcutt, a former policy director at the city's Department of Transportation, told Newsweek: "New York worked with the federal government for years. There were thousands of pages documenting all those negotiations and agreements. So, my strong hope is that Governor Hochul will go to court and keep congestion pricing running."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul wrote on social media: "Donald Trump isn't a 'king' and we won't let him use New Yorkers as roadkill on his revenge tour. We'll see him in court."
Political commentator Brian Allen said: "A full-blown power grab wrapped in authoritarian cosplay. This isn't how the Constitution works. The courts exist for a reason, but Trump is out here acting like a king with a Sharpie. If this stands, the rule of law doesn't just bend—it breaks."
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stuck a similar tone in a speech at a state address, saying: "As governor of Illinois, my oath is to the Constitution of our state and our nation. We don't have kings in America, and I won't bend the knee to one."
What Happens Next
The state of New York is expected to challenge Trump's order to halt the congestion charge in courts.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines