Trump Immediately Stores the Crown on Air Force One
Social Media Flooded with Edited Images of Trump Wearing the Gold Crown
Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed great satisfaction with the Silla gold crown replica he received during his tour of Asia, particularly while in South Korea.
President Lee Jae-myung is shaking hands with former U.S. President Donald Trump after presenting him with a 'Cheonmachong Gold Crown Replica' at the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongbuk on the 29th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News
The gold crown, presented by President Lee Jae-myung at the Korea-U.S. summit held at the Gyeongju National Museum on the 29th, is modeled after an artifact symbolizing Silla royal authority from the 10th century. The gift is seen as not only historically significant but also as one tailored to President Trump’s affinity for gold and symbols of authority.
During a Q&A session with reporters aboard his private plane en route from Washington, D.C. to West Palm Beach, Florida, on the 31st (local time), President Trump said, “Our country is being respected again,” and added, “They are treating our country with that kind of respect. That is much more important.” Experts believe these remarks likely refer to the gifts he received in South Korea, especially the gold crown and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa.
A composite photo of former U.S. President Donald Trump wearing a Cheonmachong-shaped gold crown and traditional Korean ancient clothing. Screenshot from X (formerly Twitter).
Immediately after receiving the gold crown, President Trump expressed his intention to wear it, exclaiming, “It’s truly beautiful. It’s special.” Body language experts analyzed that his facial expressions and gestures revealed both excitement and joy. His action of turning his body side to side with his lips pressed together is considered an unusual attempt to restrain his emotions in a public setting, indicating deep satisfaction with the gift. It was also reported that he personally inspected the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, which was presented alongside the crown, and said, “I want to put it on right away.”
An AI-generated composite video showing President Trump wearing a crown and dancing like at a ballroom with Mrs. Melania, while surrounding people applaud the two. Screenshot from X (formerly Twitter).
This gold crown gift has drawn attention in the context of the current political climate in the United States. As “No Kings” protests criticizing President Trump’s authoritarian leadership have been taking place nationwide, the presentation of a crown has taken on heightened symbolic significance. Shortly after the gift was given, social media was flooded with composite videos showing Trump wearing the crown, dancing with Mrs. Melania at a ballroom, or piloting a fighter jet and throwing objects at protesters.
The Washington Post reported that the crown is a replica of an artifact symbolizing royal authority from the Silla period, noting that the intersection of historical meaning and political timing has made it particularly noteworthy. The New York Post also highlighted the fact that President Trump received the crown amid ongoing anti-authoritarian protests, emphasizing that the gift carries symbolism beyond that of a simple diplomatic gesture.
The Presidential Office explained that the gold crown was prepared “to symbolize peace on the Korean Peninsula and the golden era of the Korea-U.S. alliance.” President Trump instructed that the gift be loaded directly onto Air Force One and kept safely.
In the United States, some have praised South Korea for accurately identifying Trump’s preferences, while others have raised controversy over whether it was appropriate to present a symbol of royal authority amid ongoing anti-monarchy protests.
Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” commented, “It’s really embarrassing how easily manipulated he is,” and joked, “Maybe he could have stayed in Korea and become king.” Meanwhile, Stephen Colbert, host of CBS’s “The Late Show,” quipped, “South Korea gave Trump the one thing he never had-a giant gold crown.”
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