Protesting Propoganda
Countering Corrupt Campaigns
Unmasking the Spectacle: How to Counter Trump's Authoritarian Propaganda
In the span of just five days, the Trump administration orchestrated a deliberate messaging sequence: a bold claim about unchecked power, a viral video aestheticizing state force, and an AI-generated image of Trump as a king. Individually, these pieces might seem disconnected—just more political theater—but together, they reveal a calculated strategy: Justify, Normalize, Reinforce.
But propaganda isn’t unbeatable. Counter-propaganda, when done strategically, can expose manipulations, reclaim narratives, and protect democratic values. Let’s break down the messaging tactics at play and craft a counter-response that effectively dismantles the authoritarian spectacle.
Breaking Down the Propaganda Sequence
1. Justify: “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.” (Feb 15)
Trump's post asserts that legal constraints should not apply to a leader if they claim to be acting in the country's interest. This echoes historical authoritarian logic—placing one leader above the law under the guise of national survival.
2. Normalize: The ASMR Deportation Video (Feb 18)
By transforming the forced removal of undocumented immigrants into a sensory spectacle, the administration doesn’t just justify harsh immigration policies—it aestheticizes cruelty. The video invites viewers to passively consume state violence, numbing emotional responses and turning inhumane actions into a normalized part of governance. Link to Video
3. Reinforce: The AI King Image (Feb 19)
By posting an AI-generated image of Trump as a crowned king, his team plays a dangerous rhetorical game: a message that can be dismissed as a joke while subtly reinforcing authoritarian imagery. It’s a common tactic—using humor to make oppressive ideas seem harmless or exaggerated.
Taken together, these tactics aim to erode democratic values, promote authoritarian ideals, and condition the public to accept power without accountability.
How to Counter This Propaganda Effectively
To combat these narratives, counter-propaganda must be strategic, precise, and engaging. Here’s a response approach that negates each piece of the Trump administration’s messaging.
1. Reframe the Power Narrative (Against “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.”)
Instead of debating whether Trump is above the law (which legitimizes the question), we should shift focus to the core democratic principle: No one is above the law.
🚫 DO NOT: Argue that Trump’s claim is wrong (this plays into his framing).
✅ DO: Emphasize that legal constraints exist to prevent dictatorship. Example counter-message:
👉 "History has proven that when leaders claim to be 'above the law,' they usually aren’t 'saving the country'—they’re saving themselves. A strong leader follows the law. A weak leader fears it."
Symbolism in the "Laws Over Lords" Image
The bald eagle—America’s national symbol of strength and justice—wielding a gavel and smashing a crown is a powerful visual rejection of authoritarianism. It symbolizes the rule of law crushing the fantasy of monarchy, making it clear that in America, justice reigns, not kings.
The gavel represents the power of law and democracy, the true authority in a free society.
The shattered crown destroys the illusion of unchecked power, rejecting the idea that any leader is above the system.
The distressed American flag reminds us that democracy is not self-sustaining—it must be defended.
This imagery directly counters the authoritarian fantasy pushed by Trump’s messaging. While he presents himself as a king or superhero, this image reminds us that America does not serve rulers—it upholds justice.
By reframing the discussion and using bold symbolism, we don’t just counter Trump’s justification for unchecked power—we reinforce the idea that democracy thrives when laws, not leaders, hold the highest authority.
2. Humanize the Victims (Against the ASMR Deportation Video)
Rather than just condemning the video, counter-messaging should highlight the human cost of these policies. Instead of letting cruelty become entertainment, we need to reassert empathy.
🚫 DO NOT: Share the video without context, as it further spreads the administration’s messaging.
✅ DO: Tell real stories that contrast the spectacle. Example counter-message:
👉 "This isn't entertainment. This is real life. Families are being torn apart. If your government needs to package cruelty as an aesthetic, maybe it's not 'strength'—maybe it’s cowardice."
3. Deflate the King Narrative (Against the AI Image)
The Superman imagery is meant to reinforce Trump as a larger-than-life savior figure, tapping into the same psychological conditioning as the king imagery—conditioning people to accept his authority as inevitable. But the best way to counteract it isn’t to call it a serious threat outright—it’s to ridicule the ridiculous. Trump’s power thrives on manufactured spectacle and cosplay politics. Undermining that perception weakens it.
🚫 DO NOT: Engage seriously with the fantasy, as if he actually embodies strength, heroism, or leadership.
✅ DO: Use satire to expose the absurdity of his constant role-playing.
👉 "Trump loves to play dress-up, but saving democracy isn’t cosplay."
👉 "Let’s Make Believe Again" (flipping his own slogan to mock his fantasy persona).
👉 "Faster than a speeding indictment! More powerful than a Twitter rant! Able to leap reality in a single bound!"
By turning his self-aggrandizing hero complex into a joke, we break the spell of propaganda. Instead of reinforcing his myth, we expose him as a wannabe strongman living in a fantasy. The goal isn’t just to reject the messaging—it’s to mock it so effectively that it collapses under its own absurdity.
The Benefits of Counter-Propaganda
Effectively countering authoritarian messaging requires more than just debunking—it demands strategic narrative control. Here are five key benefits:
1️⃣ Restores Critical Thinking – When propaganda goes unchecked, it shapes reality. Counter-propaganda disrupts the manipulation, prompting people to question instead of accept.
2️⃣ Prevents Normalization of Authoritarianism – By challenging false narratives early, counter-propaganda stops dangerous ideas from becoming mainstream.
3️⃣ Reclaims the Emotional Frame – Propaganda thrives on emotional appeal. Effective counter-propaganda redirects emotions toward truth, justice, and empathy.
4️⃣ Weakens the Opponent’s Messaging Structure – When authoritarian tactics are exposed and ridiculed, they lose power. By breaking the cycle of Justify → Normalize → Reinforce, counter-propaganda makes future messaging less effective.
5️⃣ Inspires Action – When people recognize manipulation, they’re more likely to resist. Counter-propaganda is a tool for political mobilization, civic engagement, and defending democracy.
How to Make Counter-Propaganda Effective
To truly counteract authoritarian messaging, counter-propaganda must be:
Credible – Stick to verifiable facts. If people doubt your message, it fails.
Timely – The sooner you respond, the more impact you have.
Emotionally Resonant – Logic alone doesn’t work. Appeal to values, empathy, and humor.
Strategic, Not Reactionary – Don’t just argue against propaganda—redirect the conversation to what matters.
Engaging & Shareable – The most effective counter-propaganda is easily understood, compelling, and widely shareable.
Conclusion: The Power of Truth
Trump’s messaging is designed to bend reality—to justify unchecked power, normalize state violence, and reinforce authoritarian imagery. But propaganda only works if people accept it without question.
Counter-propaganda is about taking control of the narrative—restoring truth, exposing manipulation, and ensuring democracy does not crumble under the weight of spectacle.
👉 "Propaganda tells you what to think. Counter-propaganda reminds you how to think."
The fight for democracy isn’t just about elections—it’s about the daily battle over reality itself. And in that battle, truth must always have the last word.