Madeline Bryce/Daily Nexus

In June 2025, on President Trump’s 79th birthday, small yet symbolic protests emerged during the United States Army parade, targeting what organizers called “authoritarian policies.” After this event, the slogan “No Kings” took off, sparking nationwide demonstrations across all 50 states. Key grievances included domestic military action around immigration, rampant cronyism and prolonged government shutdowns. By mid-October, the movement had swelled to over 7 million participants in more than 2,700 events.

On Oct. 19, 2025, President Trump addressed the unrest in a live stream on his X account, ostensibly to clarify his position once and for all.

“The remaining Democrat leaders have been hunted down and defeated. Any collaborators will suffer the same fate. These protests have left me slandered, but I assure you, my resolve has never been stronger. To ensure our continuing stability, the United States will be reorganized into the first American Empire, for a safe and secure society.”

Following the speech, Emperor Trump staged a lavish coronation, drawing parallels to figures like Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte. The Oval Office is being remade into the Trump Dynasty throne room on top of the new $250 million ballroom being constructed. Crowned by Pope Leo XIV, the official ceremony was streamed live on X, showcasing opulence and pageantry that reinforced the empire’s symbolic authority. 

The announcement of Trump’s self-declared American Empire sparked a sharply polarized response across the country. Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters praised the move, claiming that under Emperor Trump, “safety, security, justice and peace” would be maintained. Some even looked ahead to potential future monarchs, pointing to figures like Barron Trump — who, at 6 feet 10 inches, is said to be impressive and skilled with technology.

Democrats, on the other hand, were far less impressed. Mere hours after the announcement, “No Kings” protests swelled, with demonstrators taking to the streets in cities nationwide. In response, the emperor reportedly deployed the military to quell these “dangerous anti-American” activities.

Here at UC Santa Barbara, students voiced concern that Trump’s actions signal the start of an authoritarian regime and could threaten personal freedoms. Many joined the campus protests, chanting the movement’s slogan, wearing symbolic yellow attire and emphasizing the danger this monarchy could pose to democracy.

The Gentle Giant Joined The Rebel Alliance