WTH?
‘What the Fresh Hell Is This?’: Internet Explodes After Trump Posts Strange ‘Game of Thrones’ Meme

“There Is Literally a Character Called “The Mad King” but Ok”
After President Trump posted a “Game of Thrones” inspired meme Friday afternoon some social media users blasted the president – and HBO issued a warning.
The meme features a photoshopped image of Trump with the words “Sanctions Are Coming” and “November 5” – one day before Election Day. The overlaid type style appears to be taken directly from HBO’s popular “Game of Thrones” series, and reminiscent of the show’s “Winter Is Coming” campaign. “Winter Is Coming” is also the name of the series’ first episode.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2018
An HBO spokeswoman told The Hill the company “would prefer our trademark not be misappropriated for political purposes.”
In yet another clearly political move, the Trump administration announced it will re-impose all sanctions against Iran.
In an embarrassingly juvenile tweet, the White House offered this take:
The United States has launched a campaign of economic pressure to deny the regime the funds it needs to advance its bloody agenda! https://t.co/0yuYgpvq5i
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 2, 2018
A former Obama administration official, who is also the author of the book, “The Art of Sanctions,” expressed outrage:
This is frankly disgusting. I was responsible, directly, for U.S. sanctions against Iran for a long while. I took pride in their development, design and use. But not joy. Having to do this is lamentable and will impose very real, human costs. Take this seriously, please. https://t.co/FO1qMVaPYl
— Richard Nephew (@RichardMNephew) November 2, 2018
And elsewhere, social media sites like Twitter exploded over the strange meme.
What the fresh hell is this? https://t.co/HxrAPSQavg
— Anthony Michael Kreis (@AnthonyMKreis) November 2, 2018
Trump: I am a badass who is going to impose sanctions like a Game of Thrones warlord.
Also Trump: I need two hands to operate a bottle of water and cannot close an umbrella. pic.twitter.com/EYzWWy1zSu
— JRehling (@JRehling) November 2, 2018
Trump is casting himself as the White Walkers? https://t.co/r2PeavE1Bu
— Garance Franke-Ruta (@thegarance) November 2, 2018
He’s already summoned an army of White Walkers. https://t.co/ZovfkXeFSm
— 𝕂𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕟 🍁 (@kevinsky) November 2, 2018
It’s all just a TV show to you, isn’t it? But a more accurate tag line would be “Subpoenas are Coming.”#CriminalPOTUS#CorruptGOP#VoteBluetoSaveAmerica
— Steve (@sjlinnyc) November 2, 2018
The most powerful nation on Earth is now reduced to conducting nation state deterrence through internet memes. It’d be funny if it wasn’t so scary and pathetic. https://t.co/MyyVLfrDYD
— Susan Hennessey (@Susan_Hennessey) November 2, 2018
Impeachment is coming… https://t.co/BdIbMUFfQh
— Zekey’s Mom (@Zekeys_Mom) November 2, 2018
I have… so many questions https://t.co/qNUbXn8ZvP
— Nicole Asbury (@NicoleAsbury) November 2, 2018
there is literally a character called “the mad king” but ok https://t.co/jOe8Pv5CuI
— David Mack (@davidmackau) November 2, 2018
Wtf is this https://t.co/UHEELup3Pc
— Pietro Stefanini (@PietroStefanini) November 2, 2018
As is often the case, I thought this was a parody tweet. It isn’t. <deep breath, deep sigh> Why does the President and team think this image is an appropriate announcement of policy? Or is there a new movie coming out in which the president is starring called “Sanctions”? https://t.co/EtH3oDDjeJ
— Dr. Rebecca Kreitzer (@rebeccakreitzer) November 2, 2018
gtfo with this poster 😂 https://t.co/4HrBI5AJHp
— Eduardo V (@eduardo_valadez) November 2, 2018
Even his Photoshop is shit. Can we take away his citizenship birth right? Can we deport him to the ocean??? https://t.co/zFAcgTRHrD
— Carenza. (@CarenzaCurtis) November 2, 2018
what
on GOD’S GREEN EARTH https://t.co/icpXgSyngx
— Wright Mann (@whiteywrightey) November 2, 2018
Bro, this is the democratically elect president of USA https://t.co/pKBPF3KN5S
— Moochar (@AsliBinLaden) November 2, 2018
White Nationalist Walker https://t.co/7dT1wBn1dB
— Stephen Falk (@stephenfalk) November 2, 2018
It’s almost as if this is just one big show … https://t.co/LlBWQSJ0ur
— Eugene Scott (@Eugene_Scott) November 2, 2018
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