Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced the termination of the congestion toll in New York City, which imposes a fee of $9 on most drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. This toll was instrumental in alleviating the notorious congestion of New York, as well as generating funds for public transit amidst a surge in bus and train ridership.
A person in a suit speaks at a podium with a microphone in front of a U.S. flag and an emblem in the background
Shortly after the order, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority filed a federal lawsuit, yet Trump took to social media to celebrate, exclaiming, “LONG LIVE THE KING.”
Tweet by Donald J. Trump declares, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
The White House’s official Instagram account reinforced this sentiment by sharing a picture of Trump adorned with a crown and the phrase “LONG LIVE THE KING.”
The “king” reference sparked discomfort among many online. One individual remarked, “Can you imagine if Obama or Biden had tweeted ‘Long live the King!’ about anything? Right-wing news would have gone berserk.”
Social media post by Ben Amey humorously suggesting differing reactions if certain leaders tweeted “Long live the King!” in response to Trump’s tweet
As some debated how Trump’s supporters might respond, many netizens quickly expressed their views. With the rise of conservatism in the US, the following thoughts emerged:
“The only people upset are those who never paid attention to Trump,” one user stated. “Watching the left lose their composure over his trolling is simply delightful.”
Tweet by Kerry replying to BenOffTV: People who ignored Trump now freak out; finds delight in watching left react to his trolling. February 20, 2025
“Is there anything that doesn’t trigger outrage?” remarked another, responding to concerns over a president of a free nation self-identifying as a king. “You wokesters are really out there.”
Tweet replies to a user commenting on sensitivity, using the term “wokesters.”
Supporters repeatedly asserted that the president’s remarks “bear no real significance.”
Tweet discussing a hypothetical scenario involving Donald Trump; labeled as irrelevant by the author. Timestamp: 1:19 AM, Feb 20, 2025
Many asserted that Trump is simply “the ultimate troll king,” and “you all fall for it every time, hook, line, and sinker.”
Reply to @BenOffTV: Criticizes him as a “troll king,” questioning others’ reactions. Timestamp: 7:42 PM, Feb 19, 2025
On Reddit, he has been dubbed the “Troll In Chief.”
Comment from a user named “reddit_names” 14 hours ago reads: “Troll In Chief.”
Others chimed in:
Tweet reply by Noah Dubois reads: “Long live king Trump!!!!!!” with engagement icons below
And many seem to hope for similar actions in the future.
Reddit comment reads: “To the people having an emotional crisis over this; you’re gonna have a really bad 4 years.” 174 likes, with 21 replies
Overall, this was the only restrained comment I could find among conservative reactions online: “Am I concerned Trump could initiate a dictatorship, given he seemingly desires it or has planned for it? Not really. However, I am slightly worried he might do so ‘for the lulz’ or because it would make a great meme.”
Reddit conversation about concerns regarding Trump potentially starting a dictatorship, with replies discussing the seriousness and motivation behind it
And there you have it.
Person in a suit and tie speaks into a microphone while holding papers. Gold decorations are visible in the background
No matter your political stance, we want your opinion. What are your thoughts on Trump calling himself King? Share your perspective in the comments.
