Madonna berates Trump for calling himself king

In February 2025, significant backlash arose after President Donald Trump referred to himself as 'king' in a social media post, which incited responses from various public figures, including pop icon Madonna. Trump's declaration came alongside an announcement halting New York City's congestion pricing initiative, which aimed to alleviate traffic by imposing fees on vehicles entering congested areas. The phrase 'LONG LIVE THE KING!' was part of a statement celebrating the administration's decision, suggesting that the city and state would be 'saved' from this pricing plan. Madonna, known for her outspoken criticism of Trump, expressed her disapproval on the X platform, pointing out the irony of a country founded to escape monarchical rule being led by someone who identifies as a king. Her comments resonated within a wider context of political discourse, where Trump's leadership style has often been described in regal terms. As the backlash grew, other celebrities and political figures joined in, emphasizing the perceived danger of equating presidential authority with royal power. The incident also sparked discussions about the implications of Trump's executive orders and his administration's ongoing conflicts with state-level governance, particularly regarding regulations and rights that activists fear are being compromised under his presidency. The reactions from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and writer Stephen King elaborated the seriousness of the situation, indicating mounting resistance against Trump's claims and actions viewed as authoritarian.