Kathrine Frich
Users noted how the films portray pro-tariff policies as a stepping stone to the collapse of democracy.
Users noted how the films portray pro-tariff policies as a stepping stone to the collapse of democracy.
JD Vance, U.S. Senator and key Trump ally, has stirred the galaxy well, the internet, by declaring his love for the much-criticized Star Wars prequel trilogy.
His defense of the films didn’t just raise eyebrows, it ignited a flurry of ironic commentary from fans who noted the strange overlap between the movies’ themes and his own political agenda.
A Twitter Debate Ignites the Force
The drama kicked off when conservative commentator Jack Posobiec declared the prequels “suck” because George Lucas had less involvement than in the originals.
Vance replied simply: “Prequels were underrated!” And just like that, the Star Wars fandom and political Twitter had a field day.
Trade Disputes in a Galaxy Far, Far Too Familiar
Fans were quick to point out that the prequel trilogy centers around galactic trade disputes, particularly aggressive tariffs by the Galactic Republic on the Trade Federation.
In an uncanny parallel, Vance and the Trump administration have recently championed similarly controversial real-world tariffs.
From Tariffs to Tyranny: The Sith-Authoritarian Parallel
“The Star Wars prequels are all about how an unfair and severe galactic tariff policy causes instability… enabling an authoritarian to seize power,” author G. Elliot Morris tweeted.
“Deja vu,” he added.
Others noted how the films portray pro-tariff policies as a stepping stone to the collapse of democracy.
Phantom Menace’s Infamous Opening Crawl Resurfaces
As online users dissected the irony, many shared screenshots of The Phantom Menace‘s iconic opening crawl, which explains how taxation of trade routes leads to conflict and political manipulation.
“Hoo boy,” one user quipped. “This didn’t age well for Earth or Naboo.”
A Lightsaber Moment Gone Wrong
The conversation comes on the heels of another bizarre Star Wars-politics crossover.
On May 4th, the Trump campaign posted an AI-generated image of the former president wielding a red lightsaber, flanked by bald eagles.
Instead of applause, it drew ridicule.
Trump as a Sith Lord? The Internet Thinks So
The red lightsaber, whic is long associated with the villainous Sith, did not go unnoticed.
Fans joked that the image cast Trump as a galactic villain.
Even Star Wars legend Mark Hamill chimed in, writing that Trump was “full of Sith.”