King Trump. Donald Crowns Himself, Draws Widespread Horror
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump is basking in the glory of his latest executive tantrum, this time declaring himself a “king” after his administration torpedoed New York City’s congestion pricing plan.
Following a February 19 directive from his transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, that revoked a federal agreement with New York over the proposed tolling program, Trump took to Truth Social:
“CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
It might have been ignored but the White House amplified the moment by posting a doctored image of Trump wearing a golden crown on a fake Time magazine cover, grinning as New York City’s skyline loomed behind him.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul was not amused.
“We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king,” Hochul shot back in a statement. She emphasized the importance of public transit to the city’s economy—something “a New Yorker, like President Trump, knows very well.” She also confirmed that the city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority has taken legal action in the Southern District of New York to challenge the decision.
Later, addressing reporters, Hochul doubled down:
“New York hasn’t labored 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.”
The backlash from American citizens was also swift with comments that expressed horror, mockery and even despair.
Vijay
/
The King has no clothes.
February 20, 2025VIJAY
/
We can only thank to the impotent republicans.
February 21, 2025pemba
/
God save the king.
February 21, 2025Jagjit Singh, CA
/
His majesty, King Trump!
Trump on executive orders and decrees has sparked significant controversy, particularly in relation to his collaboration with Elon Musk, the world’s richest man. Despite Republicans controlling all three branches of government, Trump has bypassed legislation in favor of unilateral actions, signaling an effort to create a precedent where the president holds unchecked power. As journalist David Sirota points out, this strategy aligns with the goal of establishing a presidential authority that operates like an “elected king””, which undermines the checks and balances of our democracy.
Sirota also criticizes the Democratic Party for its failure to mount an effective opposition. As he notes, the party seems to lack a clear message or agenda, leaving voters uncertain about what it truly stands for. The absence of a compelling economic platform has allowed Trump to dominate the narrative, particularly among working-class voters. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to support policies and nominees that contradict their opposition to Trump, leading to confusion and a lack of trust.
Elon Musk’s role in shaping Trump’s agenda is also a concern. By overseeing the gutting of federal agencies, Musk’s actions align with private sector interests, further blurring the lines between government and business. As Sirota suggests, this is not about restoring democracy but rather enriching private contractors at the public’s expense.
As the nation faces these challenges, the need for the Democratic Party to present a coherent and unified platform has never been more urgent. Without it, Trump’s unchecked actions and the party’s inability to oppose him will continue to undermine the foundations of American democracy.
Jagjit Singh, CA
February 24, 2025