Trump uses Truth Social memes to spotlight Newsom, Obama, Pritzker, and Jeffries records

Trump amplified viral posts tying Democratic leaders to immigration failures, crime concerns, and court backlash
President Donald Trump shared a series of Truth Social memes targeting Democratic leaders and their records (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump shared a series of Truth Social memes targeting Democratic leaders and their records (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, May 17, used his 'Truth Social' platform to target prominent Democratic rivals through a series of viral social media memes.

The posts contrasted Trump's policy positions with the records of former President Barack Obama, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, while touching on issues including immigration, crime, and Supreme Court rulings.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he leaves the White House for travel to Beijing, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Washington, to meet with China's President Xi Jinping. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
President Donald Trump spoke to reporters before departing the White House for Beijing on May 12, 2026, in Washington, DC (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Trump targets Gavin Newsom with viral California meme

Among the posts shared by Trump was a meme featuring California Governor Gavin Newsom sitting inside a padded room covered with the president’s name.

Trump, who frequently refers to the California governor as “Newscum,” appeared to use the image to criticize the direction of the state under Newsom’s leadership.

The meme circulated widely online after being reposted by several pro-Trump social media accounts.



The graphic aligned with the administration’s broader criticism of progressive governance, particularly on issues related to public safety, homelessness, and the economy in California. 

Trump shares ‘Dumb and Dumber’ parody aimed at Illinois leaders

Trump also targeted Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson by reposting a meme titled “Dumb and Dumber: The Illinois Government.”

The post adapted imagery from the 1994 film 'Dumb and Dumber' and depicted Pritzker alongside Johnson in a satirical portrayal criticizing state leadership.



The meme came amid ongoing political disagreements over crime and immigration policies in Illinois.

Pritzker previously drew national attention after comparing federal ICE raids to Nazi Germany and accusing Trump of contributing to political hostility in the US.

Trump criticizes Hakeem Jeffries and Barack Obama in meme posts

The president also directed criticism toward House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries over his comments about the Supreme Court.

Trump argued that Jeffries should be removed from Congress after the Democratic leader described the Supreme Court as “illegitimate” following a ruling involving race-based redistricting and the Voting Rights Act.

One meme reposted by Trump portrayed Jeffries wearing heavy gold jewelry while standing in front of a burning city backdrop.



Trump additionally shared a meme featuring former President Barack Obama reacting differently to electoral district maps in Republican-led Southern states and Democratic-led Northern states.

The post referenced recent debate surrounding the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning a majority-Black district in Louisiana and framed the issue as an example of political double standards.



Through the series of posts, Trump continued using social media to sharpen contrasts with leading Democratic figures ahead of the 2026 political cycle.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Newly released texts show Anthony Fauci discussed first-trimester concerns with Rochelle Walensky and Vivek Murthy in January 2021
1 hour ago
The older Air Force One, carrying journalists and some White House staff who believed Trump was aboard, served as a decoy
1 hour ago
Karoline Leavitt accused Democrats of backing 'terrible policies' and claimed the party is divided over its progressive direction ahead of November
2 hours ago
Trump falsely linked vaccines to autism, suggesting that the rise in childhood vaccinations had contributed to an increase in autism diagnoses
3 hours ago
'What struck me was that Donald Trump is about to become what he never, ever wanted to be', Chris Christie said
8 hours ago
In December, Trump added gold cursive 'Oval Office' letters to the White House as part of a broader gilded makeover with 24-karat gold accents
9 hours ago
Independent journalist Aaron Rupar later dubbed the attempt 'the worst Lindsey Graham impression of all time'
10 hours ago
BBC was due to receive President Trump's business documents on August 6, but a federal court paused the handover after his lawyers objected
11 hours ago
A little-noticed tariff provision in the Senate's Russia sanctions bill is drawing scrutiny as critics warn it could broaden Trump's trade authority
11 hours ago
South Carolina senator emphasizes affordability and family struggles ahead of Tuesday's special election
11 hours ago