Trump Mugshot Turns Into Meme
© realdonaldtrump / Instagram & Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Move over, viral cat, or funny videos! There’s a new sensation in internet town, and it has got a presidential twist! The internet is buzzing, and it’s all thanks to the unexpected star of the show: Donald J. Trump’s mugshot. Yes, you heard it right, the former President’s poker-faced photo has taken the web by storm, turning from a legal document into an all-out internet meme extravaganza.
The Story Behind the Arrest
Former President Donald Trump was arrested and booked at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on Thursday, facing felony charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. This marks his fourth indictment this year, but notably, it’s the first time he has had his mug shot taken.
The Fulton County authorities have also taken mug shots of all 19 people charged in the case. This includes Trump’s lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell, and his former chief of staff Mark Meadows. Trump was released from jail on a $200,000 bond, and District Attorney Fani Willis has requested a trial date of October 23.
The Viral Outcome of Trump’s Mugshot
Following his arrest, Trump’s mugshot went viral, sparking a rush of attempts to profit from the image, with various products featuring his stern expression being sold online. Trump’s campaign website is selling T-shirts, beverage coolers, mugs, and bumper stickers. Each merchandise has the caption ‘NEVER SURRENDER.’ This arrest makes Trump the first former president to have a mugshot taken.
The image has generated mixed reactions on social media, with hashtags such as #TrumpMugshot and #OrangeIsTheNewOrange trending. Some defended Trump with #MyPresident. Trump himself shared the photo on his social media accounts, marking his first tweet since January 8, 2021.
The Internet Reacts
Some sellers on Etsy and other hand-made product-selling platforms have already started to cash in on the virality of Trump’s mugshot. Some users have made t-shirts with the face, while others are going down the mug route.
Most internet users are also going a funnier route while adding “LEGEND”, “GUILTY AF”, or even “ME BEFORE COFFEE”, to caption their merchandise.
The photograph, while not artistic, holds historic significance as the first presidential mug shot in history. It captures Trump’s signature stern expression and intense glare, reflecting his unyielding demeanor.
What is your take on this viral sensation? Have you joined the meme-making frenzy or are you just a passenger chuckling at the clever creations? Or perhaps you have a unique perspective to share? We would love to hear your thoughts and reactions in the comments below!