The American political panorama is again in the eye of the hurricane after the dissemination of a meme that has generated waves of controversy around Donald Trump. The image, which shows the former president with a text that proclaims “Hated by the Deep State, Hated by Washington, Hated by the Media … Loved by the American People!”, He has fueled the tensions between his followers and detractors, capturing global attention on May 23, 2025. At 3:16 p.m. Vietnam time (+07), social networks burn with debates about whether Trump is facing a massive conspiracy or simply feeding his victim narrative, an issue that has defined much of his political career.
The meme, which circulates widely on platforms such as X and Facebook, reflects the rhetoric that Trump has used since its presidency (2017-2021) and its campaign for the 2024 elections. The term “Deep State”-an alleged group of government and bureaucratic elites that operate in the shadows-has been a pillar of its speech, especially after the scandals of Russia FBI during his mandate. The image suggests that Washington and traditional media, often critical of their policies and style, have made it a target, while their followers see him as a champion of the American people. This duality has further polarized the nation, with some seeing the meme as an uncomfortable truth and others as a shameless exaggeration.
The current context adds fuel to the fire. With the mid -term elections of 2026 approaching and Trump maintaining a significant influence on the Republican party, its narrative of being an outsider persecuted resonates with its base. Publications in X, like one of @Trumpwaroom who says “The Deep State will never forgive him for putting America first”, they reflect the support of his followers, while critics like @cnnpolitics respond with sarcasmos: “Trump’s more victimism, the favorite of the people… clear”. However, there is no concrete evidence in the available data confirming an active conspiracy of the “Deep State” against him in 2025, which leaves the debate in speculative terrain.
The image also evokes memories of past events. During his presidency, Trump faced multiple investigations, including that of special prosecutor Robert Mueller on Russian interference in 2016, and a second impeachment in 2021 for the assault on the Capitol. The media, such as The New York Times and CNN, have been constant in their criticism, while their approval among Republican voters remained solid, according to Gallup surveys in 2020. The meme seems to capitalize on this division, presenting Trump as a martyr worshiped by millions, a contrast that has been both his strength and his Achilles heel.
At 3:16 p.m. Of May 23, 2025, the online conversation is at its highest point. Some users celebrate the image as a resistance symbol, with comments such as “Trump is the only one who fights for us!” Others see it as propaganda, with answers such as “this is pure theater, there is no deep state, only its ego.” The lack of specific context on a recent event that has triggered the meme leaves room for speculation, but its impact is undeniable, with hashtags like #trumploved and #deEpstateHate Trending in X.
Beyond politics, the meme highlights Trump’s ability to stay relevant through viral images. His direct style and emotional connection with his followers have been key since his entry into politics in 2015. While the image does not offer evidence of accusations against the “Deep State” or the media, it does reflect a shared perception for a significant part of the American population, according to Pew Research surveys that show a growing distrust of institutions in 2024.
With the political clock advancing around 2026, this image could be a prelude to a more aggressive campaign. While his detractors accuse him of dividing the country, his supporters see him as an misunderstood leader. For now, the Meme remains a mirror of American polarization, leaving public opinion divided between love and hate, and the world observing how this narrative evolves in the coming months.
