There was a collective groan from the world’s comedians when Donald Trump lost the US election. There goes the headline-creating buffoonery. But this week, Trump was back – and for all the wrong reasons.
After becoming the first US president to have his mugshot taken, the orange-haired one’s image has become an internet meme already. The Florida Man tweeted posted it himself – so he has only himself to blame for the ensuing comedy – which is ironic and much funnier.
https://t.co/MlIKklPSJT pic.twitter.com/Mcbf2xozsY
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2023
Before long, the 45th president of the United States was being mocked for his impersonation of the so-called “blue steele” look favoured by models in the 1980s, like Ben Stiller.
Ok, ok, now do Blue Steele….. #TrumpMugShot pic.twitter.com/jScBtLeOKw
— Jimmy Vulture (@JimmyVulture) August 25, 2023
Trump’s own capitalised caption was also the source of much mirth. “I love that the mugshot meme says ‘never surrender’ and that the mugshot was taken when he surrendered. No irony there,” as one tweeter 𝕏’d.
This is meme-making at high speed.
TRUMP’s piercing “#BlueSteel” look is too good to even cover it with #thuglife glasses
😂#TrumpMugShot pic.twitter.com/eexFbIdoSw— Quandalf (@QuandalfMEME) August 25, 2023
Internet rejoices at Trump’s mugshot with AI comedy frenzy
Perhaps the most amusing was how generative AI was used to make many of these memes:
The 80s rock band hairdos were particularly funny.
Midjourney mugshot in the style of 1980s hair metal band pic.twitter.com/oPdgFBWOpp
— farhad manjoo (former bluecheck) (@fmanjoo) August 25, 2023
Many people pointed out the blue steele look didn’t show how the former #Presidunce really looks now.
“Comb on over to my place… Hey you we’re having a Parting” wrote one Twitterer, adding that “Donald Trump self-declares his weight as 215lbs [97kg], his height as 6 foot 3 [1.97m]…and his hair as bountiful/plentiful… which is great if you’re setting up a catfishing profile on Tinder… however, in reality!!”
“Comb on over to my place…
Hey you we’re having a Parting”Donald Trump self-declares his weight as 215lbs, his height as 6 foot 3…and his hair as bountiful/plentiful… which is great if you’re setting up a catfishing profile on Tinder… however, in reality!!#TrumpMugShot pic.twitter.com/uNxz0Tf4Ql
— Stuzi 🐝🐝 (@stuzi_pants) August 25, 2023
Then there are those who would love to know what South Africa’s own Trevor Noah, a renowned critic of the orange-haired one, would have to say.
“@Trevornoah I need you to do 1 more segment. We need you to cover the news on #TrumpMugShot,” wrote one.
If you’re in need of a laugh today, #TrumpMugShot won’t disappoint.
