President Donald Trump declaring himself a ‘king’ has sparked debate over whether the US is becoming a monarchy or remains a democracy.
On February 19, Trump posted on Truth Social: “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” This came after his administration ended New York City’s congestion pricing plan, which would have charged drivers entering certain parts of the city. The White House claimed the toll would ‘unfairly burden working-class residents.’
Following Trump’s post, the official White House X account shared an image of Trump wearing a crown, styled like a TIME Magazine cover, with the caption ‘LONG LIVE THE KING.’
Critics questioned the message, with one asking: “Isn’t the whole point of America even existing to not have a monarch?” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker added, “We don’t have kings in America, and I won’t bend the knee to one.”
Trump supporters praised the image, with comments like “He looks good in a crown” and “Looks like someone’s feeling royal today!”
