In the midst of escalating tensions over a potential government shutdown, President Donald Trump turned to social media once again, posting AI-generated videos that mock House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries by depicting him in a sombrero and mustache. The clips, shared on Truth Social late Tuesday, quickly drew sharp criticism for their racial undertones. Indeed, this isn't the first time such memes have surfaced; Trump had already targeted Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer with similar vulgar, altered footage just days earlier.
Jeffries, visibly frustrated, responded directly on MSNBC's The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell, calling the videos a "malignant distraction" from Republican efforts to cut healthcare benefits. During the segment, which aired Monday night, O'Donnell pressed Jeffries on his reaction, asking if that would be his full reply to the president's antics. Jeffries fired back, urging Trump to address him face-to-face rather than hiding behind "racist and fake AI." Moreover, he shared a real photo of Trump alongside Jeffrey Epstein, captioning it simply: "This is real."
The memes' spread has only intensified partisan divides. Vice President JD Vance, dismissing racism claims, jokingly promised to end the sombrero jabs if Jeffries helped Republicans reopen the government. However, Wyoming's congressional delegation stayed silent, avoiding comment on the escalating online feud. Critics, including O'Donnell, refused to air the "vile pornographic" clips on his show, labeling them as both dishonest and bigoted. Trump's posts, blending humor with expletives, come as funding deadlines loom, with Democrats accusing the administration of prioritizing spectacle over solutions.
Indeed, the controversy highlights how digital trolling has become a staple in political discourse. As shutdown talks stall, one wonders if these memes will fade or fuel further gridlock.