President Donald Trump made a grand entrance at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute summit in Miami Beach, Florida on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. As he took to the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, eager to hear his latest plans and policies for the future of the country. However, what followed was a declaration that shocked and divided the nation.
In a post on his Truth social platform, Trump announced the cancellation of New York City’s congestion pricing plan and declared himself as a monarch, saying, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” This statement drew fierce blowback from both sides of the political spectrum.
MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell slammed Trump’s words as “utterly insane,” while others on social media expressed their discomfort and concern over the president’s apparent self-proclamation as a king. Some even went as far as to compare him to a dictator, with his previous comments about wanting to be president for life and his admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin.
The White House’s official X account, formerly known as Twitter, also shared Trump’s post along with a photo of him wearing a gold crown on a fake Time magazine cover. This image was met with criticism and described as “deeply perverse” by O’Donnell.
The use of the term “king” by Trump sparked a trend on social media, with many people expressing their disapproval and fear of what this could mean for the future of democracy in the United States. Even some of Trump’s own supporters were uncomfortable with the idea of him declaring himself as a monarch.
Amidst the backlash and concern, the question arose: which law professor(s) will write an op-ed arguing that Trump really is a king? This was a clear indication of the disbelief and shock that many felt over Trump’s statement.
However, despite the negative reaction, there were still some who supported Trump’s declaration and saw it as a sign of his strong leadership. His loyal base, who refer to themselves as “MAGA,” showed their unwavering support for the president, further emphasizing the divide in the country.
But this is not the first time Trump has made statements that have caused controversy and concern. Just a few days prior, he quoted Napoleon and expressed his admiration for the French emperor’s rise to power. And now, with his declaration of himself as a king, many are worried about the direction in which the country is heading.
Some have even speculated that Trump’s “king” comment could be a precursor to him trying to stay in power beyond his term limit. This fear is not unfounded, as Trump has previously expressed his desire to remain in office for more than two terms, going against the principles of democracy and the Constitution.
The use of the term “king” by Trump is not only concerning but also highly inappropriate and disrespectful to the democratic values upon which the United States was founded. It sends a message to the rest of the world that the country is moving away from its democratic roots and towards a more authoritarian style of government.
It is important for both Democrats and Republicans to come together and denounce Trump’s “king” comment. The use of such language is dangerous and can have serious consequences for the future of the country. As Americans, it is our duty to uphold the values of democracy and ensure that no individual, no matter how powerful, can declare themselves as a monarch.
In conclusion, Trump’s statement at the FII Institute summit has caused a stir and raised concerns among Americans from all walks of life. His apparent declaration of himself as a king is not only shocking but also deeply concerning for the future of democracy in the United States. It is a reminder that we must remain vigilant and stand up against any attempts to undermine our democratic values. Long live democracy, and may it continue to thrive in the United States.
