In the days since Donald Trump took office, he has plowed ahead with his extreme agenda, including signing executive orders to reject the existence of trans Americans and end birthright citizenship. Some are being challenged in court. Millions of social media users around the world are watching and taking to TikTok and Instagram to express empathy with Americans and criticize Trump’s actions.
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One post from user Amber Quinto which has drawn more than 2.7 million views, asks, “If this post reaches anyone outside of America, can you tell me what the world is saying about the U.S. right now?” The replies are both eye-opening and overwhelming.
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“Germany here,” one user said, “History repeats itself.”
Another user states, “I’ve heard us being called ‘The Third World Country with the Gucci belt.'”
“Land of the free and home of the brave now is a story of the past.”
“The Netherlands here. Shocked that Trump chooses a flag on Mars above healthcare.”
“England here, it keeps flipping between unbelievable hilarity and unfathomable horror. Good luck, stay safe!!!!”
On Threads, some are calling the president “FOTUS” — shorthand for Felon of the United States, while sending support from their respective countries.
“Dear Americans, everyone hates the FOTUS. Greetings, hugs and love from Scotland.”
“Dear Americans, everyone hates the FOTUS. Greetings, hugs and love from Mexico. 😘”
“Dear Americans, everyone hates the FOTUS. Greetings, hugs and love from Germany. 😘”
Some American users questioned whether access to information is being censored or suppressed on social media platforms, where many Gen Zers get their news. Others asked if there are anti-Trump protests happening outside of the United States.
“Friends who are not in the States. Are there really global protests going on right now about the orange man?” user Sara Holcomb asked. “Because we’re not seeing that.”
People from around the world replied, confirming that protesters in many countries have held demonstrations to express their opposition to Trump.
“Yep!! Mexico. UK. Belgium. Panama. Those are the ones I just saw. Hope that helps! Love from Canada 🇨🇦❤️”
“UK here. Yes, for your rights.”
Progressives in countries like Germany are also turning out against the rise of far-right, anti-immigrant parties in their own countries. As the Associated Press reported, a recent “sea of light against the right turn” rally in Berlin hoped to call attention to the policies of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the February elections there as well as actions by the Trump administration.
If you’re feeling bummed about what the government is up to and want to find words of support from around the world, they’re only a TikTok search away.
