Trump’s White House leverages 'Gladiator' clip to outline 2026 plans: 'We are just getting started'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is tightening his grip on his team and leaving no room for loose ends. That message is front and center in a newly released video.

On Wednesday, December 31, the White House shared a clip showing how Trump is preparing his team for 2026, using a scene from Ridley Scott’s 'Gladiator', starring Russell Crowe. What grabbed attention was not the visuals but the dialogue, which quickly became the main point of discussion.

Well, this is not the first time the White House has taken a creative approach with its messaging. Just days earlier, it released another video referencing a so-called 'naughty list.'

Trump’s White House draws from Gladiator to set the tone for 2026

The White House has released a 41-second video carrying the caption, 'and we are just getting started,' and it has quickly caught attention online. The clip opens with a scene from Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, featuring Russell Crowe as General Maximus Decimus Meridius. He is shown waiting for the enemy to charge, speaking calmly to his subordinates as they prepare for battle.

What drew the most attention was not the imagery, but the dialogue. Crowe’s character tells his soldiers, “Hold the line. Stay with me, brothers,” followed by the line, “What we do in live, echoes in eternity.”

The dialogue continues with Crowe saying, "at my signal, unleash hell." At that moment, the video cuts to President Donald Trump. He appears in formal attire with a serious expression, wearing MAGA and USA caps, as upbeat music plays in the background.

The short video has sparked widespread reaction on social media. One user wrote on X, “Bros intern is aura farming,” while others praised the tone and implied message of the clip. Not everyone was impressed. Some users questioned the symbolism, with comments such as, “Mass deportations and lower home prices as promised right?”

From 'Naughty List' to 'Media Offenders,' digital campaigns highlight the tone of the Trump administration 

In one recent example, the White House shared an AI-generated video showing Donald Trump reviewing a so-called 'naughty list' of illegal aliens (undocumented immigrants). The clip was posted with the caption, “BREAKING: Santa's Naughty List - the WORST of the worst, Lo-fi edition. No coal. Just deportation.”

Before releasing that video, the White House rolled out another digital initiative. It launched a new page on its official website targeting what it describes as misleading media coverage. The page appears under the banner, “Misleading. Biased. Exposed.” It lists several media organizations accused of inaccurate reporting. Among those named are CBS News, The Independent, and The Boston Globe.

The White House also identified what it calls 'repeat offenders.' The list includes The New York Times, Axios, Politico, ABC News, The Hill, The Associated Press, and others.