The image surfaced following the Trump administration’s decision to block New York City’s congestion pricing plan.
The US President’s self-proclaimed title as a ‘king’ has sparked debate among critics, questioning whether the nation is being governed as a democracy or transitioning into a monarchy.
On February 19, 78-year-old Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to declare: “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
His remarks came after the Trump administration took steps to halt New York City’s congestion pricing plan—a policy that would impose charges on drivers entering certain areas of the city.
According to the BBC, the White House asserted that the US federal government holds jurisdiction over roads leading into New York City. Officials argued that the proposed toll would ‘unfairly burden working-class residents in the region.’The 47th President of the United States’ statement was subsequently shared by the official White House X account, accompanied by an illustration resembling a TIME Magazine cover.
The image depicted Trump donning a crown with the words ‘LONG LIVE THE KING’ positioned in the bottom left-hand corner.
Taking to X to voice their concerns, one critic questioned: “Isn’t the whole point of America’s existence to avoid having a monarch?”
Another user argued: “I thought we lived in a Democracy, not a Monarchy.”
“We literally fought a revolution to NOT have a king,” someone else responded, referencing the American Revolution, which occurred between 1765 and 1783.
Illinois’ Democratic Governor, JB Pritzker, also reacted to the controversial image.
He stated: “As Governor of Illinois, my oath is to the Constitution of our state and our nation.
“We don’t have kings in America, and I won’t bend the knee to one.”
Despite the backlash, many Trump supporters embraced the post. One user commented: “He looks good in a crown, definitely should get one.”
“Looks like someone’s feeling royal today! The crown emoji is practically mandatory right now,” another remarked.
A third added: “I VOTED FOR THIS!”
New US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy informed New York Governor Kathy Hochul that he would be revoking approval for the congestion pricing plan, calling it a ‘slap in the face to working-class Americans.’
“Commuters using the highway system to enter New York City have already financed the construction and improvement of these highways through the payment of gas taxes and other fees,” he stated.
“The toll program offers no free highway alternative, instead taking more money from working individuals to fund a transit system rather than highways. It’s backwards and unfair.”
Governor Hochul has since responded, asserting that the state has not ‘labored under a King in over 250 years.’
“We sure as hell are not going to start now. If you don’t know New Yorkers, we fight. We do not back down— not now, not ever,” she declared.
New York officials have also pledged to challenge the Trump administration’s decision in an effort to implement the proposed $9 (£7.15) congestion toll.
According to reports from the BBC, the congestion charge would apply to all vehicles entering Manhattan between 60th Street and the Financial District’s southern tip from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
Transportation officials contend that the initiative would enable first responders to reach emergencies more swiftly while also generating funds to revitalize the New York subway system.