In a move straight out of the “Subtle Authoritarianism for Dummies” handbook, former President Donald Trump unveiled a massive banner of his own face draped across a government building last week. The banner, critics noted, bore an uncanny resemblance to the sort of décor usually reserved for leaders who don’t like elections, newspapers, or dissenting relatives.
“Nothing says democracy like a 60-foot scowl glaring down at commuters,” said one passerby, shielding his eyes from the glare of Trump’s teeth, which reportedly required special floodlighting.
Supporters hailed the banner as “historic” and “patriotic,” while opponents worried it marked the transition from campaign rally kitsch to full-on personality cult.
Asked whether the imagery seemed a bit, well, dictator-y, Trump responded: “No, it’s very legal, very cool, and frankly, I look tremendous.”
Architects confirmed the banner was reinforced against wind; but not against history.
