Trump asks if he is 'royalty' during Samoan garlanding ceremony in White House: 'I love it'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump was all smiles in the Oval Office on Thursday as he celebrated being honored with the title of “royalty” by the US territory of American Samoa.

The symbolic recognition came in response to an executive order he signed to support commercial fishing in the Pacific.

As part of the gesture, the territory presented Trump with a traditional Polynesian garland, or lei - an emblem rich in cultural meaning, often signifying respect, status, and spiritual connection.

American Samoa dubs Trump 'royalty' after executive order

A video shared Thursday afternoon on X by White House Communications Director Margo Martin captured a unique moment in the Oval Office. President Donald Trump was seen receiving a ceremonial garland after being honored as “royalty” by the territory of American Samoa.

The symbolic gesture followed Trump’s signing of an executive order aimed at expanding fishing rights in Pacific waters for American fishermen.

In the 23-second clip, Trump is seen accepting the traditional Polynesian lei, which he was told signifies royal status in Samoan culture.

“So does that mean I’m royalty?” Trump asked with a smile. “You are royalty,” replied the man presenting the garland. Trump responded enthusiastically: “I love it! I love it.”

The honor came after Trump issued an executive order to open parts of the US Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific to American fishing fleets, particularly benefiting territories like American Samoa, as per Mediaite.

"As a result of the prohibitions on commercial fishing, American fishing fleets have lost access to nearly half of the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific Islands," Trump stated in the order.

He added that US fishermen are being pushed into international waters where they must compete with "poorly regulated and highly subsidized foreign fleets."

He concluded by saying, "This disadvantages honest United States commercial fishermen and is detrimental for United States territories like American Samoa, whose private sector economy is over 80 percent dependent on the fishing industry."

Internet reacts to Trump receiving garland from American Samoa after being called 'royalty'

As the video of Trump celebrating his honorary 'royalty' title after the executive order circulated online, internet users were quick to react and share their thoughts. 

One user shared, "Thats nice of them but I dont like that we are being labeled as led by royalty."

The second person hailed, "@POTUS you are a man of all people 😃America couldn’t be happier that you are our President 👏 you are absolutely royalty and an amazing man 🫶 Thank you ☺️."

A commenter dubbed, "I acknowledge you my tribal chief."

An internet user mocked, "That’s the ula fala… Trump is the tribal chief now. 👆👆👆"

A person praised, "That’s lovely. I’m so proud of our President developing this strong relationship of love and mutual respect with American Samoa. What a beautiful thing."

An X user wrote, "Trump’s so royal now, they’re gonna start calling him King of the MAGA.”"

A comment read, "Thank you to these good people of Samoa."

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