5 Times Donald Trump's 'Royal' Rhetoric Sparked Controversy: Did He Call Himself King?

The question of whether Donald Trump has referred to himself as a "king" is not a matter of a single, isolated incident, but rather a pattern of rhetoric and social media posts that have repeatedly flirted with monarchical and even messianic titles. As of December 18, 2025, the most direct and recent instance of this "royal" language stems from a social media post where he declared, "LONG LIVE THE KING!" in relation to a policy victory, a phrase that immediately went viral and reignited the long-standing debate over his perceived authoritarian tendencies. This article dives deep into the specific claims, quotes, and contexts that have fueled this controversial narrative, providing the latest, most comprehensive breakdown of his use of "kingly" language.

The controversy surrounding Trump's use of royal or divine language is a critical point of analysis for understanding his political persona. His supporters often view such statements as hyperbole or a form of political trolling, while critics interpret them as a dangerous erosion of democratic norms and a clear indication of an intent to centralize presidential power beyond constitutional limits. The evidence shows a clear history of embracing or amplifying titles that transcend the traditional role of a U.S. President.

The Timeline of Donald Trump’s 'King' and 'Chosen One' Rhetoric

Donald Trump’s political career has been punctuated by numerous instances where he has either directly used or publicly embraced titles that suggest a status above that of an elected official. These claims are not always direct self-proclamations, but often involve quoting others or using rhetorical flourish to liken himself to figures of immense, non-democratic power. The following timeline outlines the most significant events that address the question, "Did Trump call himself king?"

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• August 2019: The "King of Israel" and "Chosen One" Claims. In a series of public statements, Trump amplified comments from a conservative radio host who called him the "King of Israel" and "the second coming of God." He later told reporters that he was "the Chosen One" to deal with trade issues with China, further blurring the line between political leader and divine figure.
• February 2024 (Approximate): The "LONG LIVE THE KING!" Post. This is arguably the most direct instance. Trump posted the phrase on his social media platform, Truth Social, in celebration of a perceived victory against New York City's congestion pricing plan.
• Ongoing Rhetoric: The "King of America" Accusation. While not a confirmed quote from a formal speech, the phrase "King of America" has frequently been used by critics and political commentators to describe what they perceive as his desire for absolute, unchecked power, often citing his statements on presidential immunity and the limits of executive authority.

"LONG LIVE THE KING!": The Congestion Pricing Incident

The most unambiguous instance of Donald Trump using royal language to describe himself occurred in a social media post that caused an immediate firestorm across the political spectrum. In early 2024, following a significant development regarding the halt of New York City's controversial congestion pricing plan, Trump took to his platform to celebrate the outcome.

The exact post, which quickly went viral, reportedly read: "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!" The use of the phrase "Long live the King" is a traditional, monarchical acclamation, historically used to announce the succession of a new sovereign. By applying it to himself in a moment of political triumph, Trump directly likened his presidential action to the decree of a monarch.

The context is crucial here. The post was not a quote of someone else, nor was it a piece of campaign merchandise. It was a direct, celebratory statement following a perceived exercise of executive power. This incident immediately drew widespread backlash, with critics arguing that it exemplified a disregard for the democratic and anti-monarchical foundations of the United States government.

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Furthermore, this rhetoric was amplified when the White House’s official Facebook page at the time reportedly quoted Trump calling himself a “king” and even shared an image of him wearing a crown, a move that only intensified the controversy over the blending of presidential authority with royal imagery.

The "King of Israel" and "Messiah" Claims: Exploring the Divine Right

Beyond the direct "king" claims, a second, equally controversial thread of rhetoric involves divine or messianic titles. In August 2019, Donald Trump publicly embraced and amplified comments from conservative figures who bestowed upon him titles of religious and historical significance.

Specifically, a prominent conservative radio host, Wayne Allyn Root, described Trump as the "King of Israel" and "the second coming of God." Trump then retweeted or shared these effusive comments, effectively endorsing the comparison.

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This was followed by Trump himself telling reporters that he was "the Chosen One" when discussing his administration's trade policy. He stated, "I am the Chosen One," a phrase loaded with religious and prophetic meaning.

The implications of this "Chosen One" and "King of Israel" rhetoric are profound. In the context of American politics, which is founded on a separation of church and state, such claims suggest a belief in a divinely appointed mandate, a concept historically associated with the "Divine Right of Kings" in European monarchies. This rhetoric is often seen as an attempt to elevate his political authority above the secular, democratic process. Supporters, however, often frame this as a testament to his strong support for Israel and his willingness to use provocative language to highlight his achievements.

The Broader Implications of 'Royal' Rhetoric and Topical Authority

The recurring theme of "king," "chosen one," and "messiah" in Donald Trump's political discourse is not accidental; it is a key component of his political strategy, which utilizes topical authority to reinforce his image as a singular, indispensable leader. This rhetoric serves several critical functions:

• Challenging Democratic Norms: By employing monarchical language, Trump directly challenges the foundational American principle that the President is a servant of the people, not a sovereign ruler. This rhetorical strategy normalizes the idea of a presidency with limitless executive power.
• Cultivating a Cult of Personality: Titles like "King" and "Chosen One" are designed to foster a deeply personal loyalty among his base, positioning himself as the only person capable of "saving" the country. This creates a powerful, emotional bond that transcends traditional party politics.
• Messianic Complex and Indispensability: The "Chosen One" claim taps into a deep-seated desire for a powerful, almost mythical leader. This makes him seem indispensable, suggesting that any attempt to remove or restrict his power is an attack on a divinely sanctioned mission.

The entity of "royal rhetoric" has been a consistent element of his political brand, dating back to his early days in office. Other related entities and concepts that are frequently linked to this discussion include: presidential immunity, authoritarianism, executive overreach, divine right of kings, cult of personality, populism, democratic erosion, and constitutional limits. The constant return to these themes ensures that the debate over his true political intentions remains at the forefront of public discourse, a strategy that keeps him central to the national conversation.

Ultimately, while Donald Trump has never officially declared himself the King of the United States, his repeated use of phrases like "LONG LIVE THE KING!" and his embrace of "King of Israel" and "Chosen One" titles provide a clear answer to the user's question. He has consistently used and amplified monarchical and messianic language to describe his role, a rhetorical choice that continues to shape the political landscape and spark intense debate over the future of American democracy.