Kenneth Glad
Staying connected with voters during tough economic stretches requires a careful balance of tone and empathy. One wrong move on social media can immediately spark wider anger. When a high-profile figure posts a lavish moment at the wrong time, public outrage usually follows fast.
A fresh wave of backlash has hit the Trump family online. Ivanka Trump shared a video on social media showing her riding a horse on a beach during a sunset. She had added the hit song “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay to the clip.
The timing of the clip quickly drew sharp criticism across multiple platforms. Raw Story reports that commentators quickly slammed the upload, pointing to high gas prices and broader economic troubles across the country under her father’s leadership.
Political journalist Carla Marinucci compared the video to a modern version of Marie Antoinette’s notorious “Let them eat cake” statement. She posted her reaction directly on X.
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Critical commentary continued to spread online. MeidasTouch analyst Ben Meiselas posted, “Bro. These people are actually demons.”
Meanwhile, progressive commentator Jack Cocchiarella added, “I need to see this whole family in jail so badly.”
Silencing the critics
The first daughter appeared ready for the incoming reaction. Media strategist Keith Edwards noted that she quickly blocked users from replying directly to her video. Edwards wrote on X, “Turning off replies. She knows.”
Frustration also emerged from conservative voices on social media. Republican podcaster Melissa Witte contrasted the clip with another post from Kai Trump showcasing a high-end college dorm room.
Witte highlighted the clash in messaging on X. “Americans: We can’t afford gas, food or tuition,” she wrote. “Trump family: here’s a video of Kai’s luxury dorm, Ivanka riding a horse and we’re also gonna rename both New Mexico and Lake Ontario ‘America.'”
MAGA journalist Eric Spracklen shared a matching sentiment. He framed the video against everyday costs by writing, “Americans: $4 a gallon gas is killing me,” right above the clip.
Political opponents joined the online pushback as well. The press team for California Governor Gavin Newsom posted “OK” alongside a screenshot detailing record-high Labor Day fuel prices caused by refinery trouble and war in Iran.
Georgia state Representative Ruwa Romman offered a different angle on the post. She shared a screenshot from a New York Times report on federal animal policies. The headline stated, “Under Trump, protected wild horses are going to the slaughter.”
Sources: Raw Story, various posts on X, The New York Times
