CNN jokingly calls Trump DC's Batman but Internet says it makes him sound cooler

WASHINGTON, DC: CNN host Abby Phillip drew unexpected praise from President Donald Trump on Monday night, August 11, after she likened him to Batman during a segment on NewsNight.
While Phillip intended to mock Trump’s newly announced federal takeover of Washington, DC’s police force, many online users saw the comic book comparison as flattering.
CNN's Abby Phillip:
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) August 12, 2025
"Donald Trump makes himself Batman and the nation’s capital is Gotham City."
That makes President Trump sound SUPER COOL!
Don't think that was Abby's intention at all. pic.twitter.com/DeNP1nUVwh
CNN anchor dubs Donald Trump ‘Batman’ amid DC police federalisation move
Abby Phillip opened the roundtable by noting Trump’s move to invoke Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, a decision that brings federal resources into Washington, DC, to address what he described as a surge in violent crime endangering both residents and visitors.
Introducing the story, Phillip quipped that “Let’s get right to what America is talking about. Donald Trump makes himself Batman and the nation’s capital is Gotham City. The President of the United States has declared himself Crime Fighter in Chief, and he’s taking over Washington’s police force. It is a move that the DC Mayor is calling ‘unsettling and unprecedented.’”

On Monday, Trump announced plans to place Washington, DC’s police department under the control of US Attorney General Pam Bondi, invoking his authority under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which allows the president to assume federal oversight of the force for up to 30 days.
He also said roughly 800 National Guard troops would be deployed to “reestablish law, order and public safety” in the capital.
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump announces he will be exerting his powers to take FULL CONTROL of the DC Police Department from the city government, and is deploying the National Guard
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 11, 2025
WE'RE TAKING OUR CAPITAL BACK! 🇺🇸
"Our capital city has been overtaken by vioIent gangs and blood… pic.twitter.com/uxnwOJjeC4
The remark quickly trended online, but instead of shaming Trump, it provided fresh material for his supporters.
CNN’s Batman jab at Donald Trump sparks social media praise instead of ridicule
CNN’s Abby Phillip may have inadvertently handed President Donald Trump a new nickname that his supporters are now wearing like a badge of honor.
Trump backers quickly flooded X with memes and jokes embracing the “Batman” label.
The official X account for media watchdog NewsBusters asked, “Does she know that makes him sound awesome?”
Abby Phillip attempts to deride President Trump by calling him Batman
— MRC NewsBusters (@newsbusters) August 12, 2025
"Donald Trump makes himself Batman and the nation’s capital is Gotham City."
Does she know that makes him sound awesome?pic.twitter.com/H5e0glySsU
The popular conservative account Libs of TikTok chimed in, “I already voted for him! You don’t have to keep convincing me!”
CNN: "Donald Trump makes himself Batman and the nation’s capital is Gotham City."
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 12, 2025
I already voted for him! You don’t have to keep convincing me! :sunglasses:pic.twitter.com/cj73JOnPH8
Others went full comic-book mode, “I voted for this,” one wrote alongside an AI-generated image of Trump as Batman and Vice President JD Vance as Robin.
I voted for this. https://t.co/WRMux4ElcV pic.twitter.com/nkA1jUNTE1
— Burt Macklin (@BurtMaclin_FBI) August 12, 2025
“I’m whatever Gotham needs me to be,” another posted with an image of Trump in cape and cowl.
I'm whatever Gotham needs me to be. https://t.co/dLq87STYp8 pic.twitter.com/PyWsExDKhC
— Christian Martinez (@C_RMartinez) August 12, 2025
“We call this stumbling upon truth,” one user quipped.
We call this stumbling upon truth https://t.co/DVDeXONGdD
— Derek. (@SuitablePolitic) August 12, 2025
“Ya’ll really trying to make @realDonaldTrump look even more bada**, aren’t you?” another added.
Yall really trying to make @realDonaldTrump look even more badass aren't you @abbydphillip ? https://t.co/zUFO9jYZaA pic.twitter.com/0vHPK70QZo
— Rollo (@SportsRollo) August 12, 2025
And as many reminded, Trump himself once told a young boy years ago: “I am Batman!”
CNN's Abby Phillip:
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) August 12, 2025
"Donald Trump makes himself Batman and the nation’s capital is Gotham City."
That makes President Trump sound SUPER COOL!
Don't think that was Abby's intention at all. pic.twitter.com/DeNP1nUVwh
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.