17 Ways Donald Trump Is Trolling the World

Donald Trump’s political style has always defied convention, blending elements of humor, strategy, and provocation. In 2024, his penchant for making waves was as strong as ever, with a series of moments that kept both supporters and critics on their toes. From his AI-generated image of himself beside a Canadian flag captioned “Oh Canada!” to sharing doctored Thanksgiving clips from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Trump proves he knows how to capture public attention. Whether these actions are calculated moves or simply his brand of humor, they undeniably dominate the headlines and keep his name on everyone’s lips.

These 17 examples reveal how Trump's trolling shapes global politics and defies conventional norms. Kelsey Kremer/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mocked Justin Trudeau as the "Governor of the Great State of Canada"

In a recent quip, Trump referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the "Governor of the Great State of Canada," insinuating that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. This jab came amidst trade tensions and discussions about tariffs. The comment quickly went viral, with supporters praising his humor and critics viewing it as an insult to diplomatic norms. White House / Wikimedia

Perfume Promotion with Jill Biden

At the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Trump found an opportunity to market his new fragrance line. Seated near First Lady Jill Biden, he posted a picture of the event with the tagline: "A fragrance your enemies can't resist!" While some saw it as clever branding, others criticized the stunt as tasteless, particularly at such a solemn event. @realDonaldTrump / Truth Social

AI-Generated 'Oh Canada!' Image

Trump’s social media antics often involve technology, and this time, he used AI to generate an image of himself beside a Canadian flag with the caption "Oh Canada!" The surreal and slightly uncanny nature of the image caught the internet’s attention, with some questioning his motives and others marveling at his ability to stay ahead of digital trends, albeit controversially. @realDonaldTrump / Truth Social

Thanksgiving 'National Lampoon' Spoof

On Thanksgiving, Trump shared a doctored clip from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, where his face replaced the main character’s, and prominent Democrats were portrayed as bumbling family members. The clip ends with Trump emerging from a turkey, a clear metaphor for his self-perceived dominance in political theatrics. @realDonaldTrump / X

Nicknaming Ron DeSantis

Trump’s penchant for nicknames was on full display during his campaign when he coined "Ron DeSanctimonious" for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. In a twist, he later clarified he would not call him "Meatball Ron," a suggestion from media outlets, claiming he wanted to keep things "classy." The interaction left people debating whether his restraint was genuine or another layer of calculated trolling. Government of Florida / Wikimedia

Taunting President Joe Biden

Trump’s rallies and Truth Social posts often include remarks about President Biden, referencing his walk, golf skills, and beach photos. These comments, which focus on personal traits, seem intended to entertain his supporters and provoke reactions from critics. Comments on Biden’s physique and lifestyle resonate with Trump’s supporters, who see these critiques as evidence of Trump’s superior energy and fitness. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

McDonald's Stunt

During a campaign stop in Pennsylvania, Trump turned heads by working the fries station at McDonald’s and holding an impromptu press conference at the drive-thru. Drawing a comparison to Vice President Kamala Harris’s time working in fast food during her youth, Trump used the moment to connect with blue-collar voters while simultaneously trolling the current administration. Daniella Heminghaus / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Threatening Tariffs on Canada

Trump threatened to impose a 25% tax on all Canadian products entering the U.S. This announcement followed a series of trade discussions and was widely interpreted as a bluff meant to destabilize negotiations. Canadian officials, including Trudeau, dismissed the threat, but it sparked widespread discussion about Trump’s erratic yet strategic trade tactics. Office of U.S. President Donald Trump / Wikimedia

'South Park' Reference

Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller likened Trump’s behavior to living in an episode of South Park, known for its absurd and satirical take on politics. This remark highlighted the surreal nature of Trump’s provocations and the extent to which they’ve permeated international politics as a form of entertainment. Taymaz Valley / Wikimedia

Mocking Political Opponents with Memes

Trump frequently shares memes that ridicule his political rivals, using exaggerated or out-of-context images. These posts amuse his followers and provoke reactions from critics, ensuring his continued relevance in the online discourse. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Challenging Negotiation Partners

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted that Trump often employs a strategy of undermining negotiations, stating, "His approach often involves challenging and destabilizing negotiating partners, creating uncertainty and sometimes chaos in democratic institutions. The key for us is to stay calm and not panic." This approach frustrates traditional diplomatic partners but reflects Trump’s unconventional negotiation style. The White House from Washington, DC / Wikimedia

'Trolling' as a Political Strategy

Trump’s provocative behavior serves as a calculated method to dominate news cycles and mobilize his base. Whether by mocking opponents or sharing controversial content, he keeps his name prominent in political discussions. ALEX HICKS JR./STAFF / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mocking President Biden's Beach Photos

Trump shared edited images of Biden enjoying a beach day, highlighting his age and physique. While critics called the posts petty, some Trump supporters saw them as humorous and relatable, framing Biden as out of touch with everyday Americans. CHUCK SNYDER/SPECIAL TO DELAWARE NEWS JOURNAL / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Belittling Nicknames for Opponents

From “Crooked Hillary” to “Sleepy Joe,” Trump’s knack for creating catchy nicknames simplifies complex political conflicts. These labels stick in the public’s mind and give his audience a shorthand way to frame his opposition. Krassotkin (derivative), Gage Skidmore (Donald Trump), Gage Skidmore (Hillary Clinton) / Wikimedia

Mocking President Biden's Golf Game

Trump also contrasts his golf game with Biden’s, painting himself as both more skilled and energetic. These remarks entertain his audience while reinforcing his self-image as an energetic leader. 首相官邸ホームページ / Wikimedia

Impressions of Political Figures

Trump often exaggerates the mannerisms of rivals like Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden during public appearances. These impressions draw laughs from supporters while frustrating opponents, who see them as immature. Office of U.S. House Speaker / Wikimedia

Sharing Doctored Videos

Trump sometimes shares manipulated videos that distort facts and mock his opponents, using inflammatory content to provoke reactions. While his supporters view these posts as entertaining, they often spread misinformation and heighten political tensions. His social media strategy relies on controversial content. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Donald Trump's approach to political engagement represents a fundamental shift in how public figures interact with their audience in the digital age. Through his strategic use of social media, provocative statements, and carefully crafted stunts, Trump has created a playbook that defies traditional political norms while consistently achieving his goal of remaining in the spotlight. Whether posting AI-generated images, performing impromptu McDonald's visits, or coining memorable nicknames for opponents, each action serves the dual purpose of entertaining supporters and aggravating critics. Daniella Heminghaus / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images