North Carolina Democrat Under Fire for Trump Beheading Sign Told To Step Down

North Carolina state Representative Julie von Haefen has found herself under intense scrutiny after a video she shared on her now-deleted X account sparked outrage. This clip was filmed during the “No Kings” anti-Trump protest in Raleigh, part of nationwide demonstrations that drew an estimated six million participants, greatly overshadowing a concurrent military parade celebrating the president's birthday.One demonstrator in von Haefen's video held a sign featuring a guillotine and a likeness of a decapitated Donald Trump, accompanied by the caption, “In these difficult times, some cuts may be necessary.” The video drew sharp rebuke from Republicans, with State Rep. Tricia Cotham labeling it "DESPICABLE," arguing it incites political violence. Despite von Haefen’s efforts to distance herself from the sign, the backlash was palpable. The North Carolina Republican Party called for her resignation, asserting her posts reflected poor judgment. Critics highlighted the hypocrisy in Republican responses, especially in light of past instances where incendiary rhetoric went unpunished.