US President Donald Trump has ignited fresh controversy by releasing an AI-generated video depicting himself as a crowned king piloting a fighter jet marked “KING TRUMP.” The digitally created clip, shared on his Truth Social account, portrays him dropping filth on protesters participating in the “No Kings” rallies across the United States.
The video, featuring Trump wearing a crown and flying a combat aircraft, comes as millions of Americans marched in coordinated demonstrations denouncing what they view as his authoritarian rule. Organisers said over seven million people participated in more than 2,600 protests held across all 50 states on Saturday. The rallies, spanning from New York to Los Angeles, united people from various backgrounds under the slogan “No Kings,” symbolising their opposition to what they call Trump’s autocratic approach.
In New York City, demonstrators filled Times Square, chanting slogans and waving placards while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Police confirmed there were no protest-related arrests despite over 100,000 participants across the five boroughs. Similar scenes played out in cities including Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, and Seattle, where thousands took to the streets in large-scale, non-violent demonstrations.
On the West Coast, Los Angeles hosted several rallies, with the largest drawing tens of thousands downtown. In Seattle, protesters occupied a one-mile parade route stretching through the iconic Space Needle district, while San Diego police estimated around 25,000 peaceful marchers.
The protests reflect deep concern among many Americans over the direction of the Trump administration. Critics accuse the president of eroding democratic norms through politically motivated prosecutions, militarised immigration policies, and the deployment of National Guard troops in urban centres. Many participants said they fear that Trump’s leadership is steering the country toward authoritarianism.
Republican leaders, however, dismissed the rallies as politically driven. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the “No Kings” movement as a “hate America rally,” echoing sentiments expressed by several within Trump’s party. Supporters argue that Trump’s measures, including stricter immigration enforcement, are necessary to restore law and order.
Despite the widespread protests, Trump has downplayed the demonstrations. In an interview with Fox Business aired on Friday, he stated, “They’re referring to me as a king — I’m not a king.” However, his subsequent AI video appears to contradict that claim, further fueling debate about his messaging strategy and his reliance on provocative digital imagery.
The “No Kings” protests mark the second major wave of anti-Trump demonstrations in 2025, following more than 2,000 rallies on June 14 — Trump’s 79th birthday — which coincided with a military parade in Washington. Organisers say the movement is gaining momentum as citizens push back against what they perceive as an erosion of civil liberties and democratic accountability.
Trump’s use of AI-generated media to taunt critics underscores a growing trend among political figures leveraging technology for digital propaganda. Analysts warn that such tactics could inflame divisions and blur the line between political satire and disinformation.
As the nation remains sharply divided, the ongoing “No Kings” movement signals rising public resistance ahead of upcoming political battles, while Trump continues to project an image of defiance and dominance — even from behind the controls of a fictional jet.
