Top Republicans Defend President's Feces-Dumping Video
In a bizarre response to the No Kings protests that swept across the country on Saturday, President Donald Trump posted a video of himself as "king" releasing fecal matter from a fighter jet onto his detractors. The clip, created using artificial intelligence, was reposted to his Truth Social account and sparked widespread outrage.
Top Republicans in Congress have come to the president's defense, downplaying the controversy and framing it as an example of effective social media use.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters on Monday that "the president uses social media to make a point" and that Trump is "using satire to make a point." McCarthy also repeated false claims about the No Kings protests, labeling participants as "murderous, America-hating degenerates."
Senate Majority Whip John Thune echoed McCarthy's sentiments, stating that "the president is using his platform to push back against the radical left and their attempts to undermine our democracy."
The video has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers, with some calling it an affront to decency and others praising its creativity.
The No Kings protests, which drew thousands of participants across the country, were peaceful and aimed at opposing Trump's presidency. The president's response, however, was seen as tone-deaf and inflammatory by many.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee called the video "a new low" for the president and accused him of "trying to distract from his failed policies."
The controversy comes as Trump faces growing criticism over his handling of several high-profile issues, including immigration and healthcare. The president's approval ratings have been steadily declining in recent months.
As the situation continues to unfold, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are weighing in with their opinions. While some Republicans are defending the president's actions, others are calling for him to apologize or take a more measured approach.
The White House has yet to comment on the controversy beyond the initial video posting.
*Reporting by Motherjones.*
