Online Engagement Climbs As Newsom’s Trump-Related Message Circulates Broadly

Following President Donald Trump's unsuccessful bid for the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year, he has shifted tactics by renaming the U.S. Institute of Peace to the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, prominently showcasing his name on the building. This move has not gone unnoticed, particularly by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who seized the opportunity to ridicule Trump through a humorous post on X, showcasing a meme depicting the institute as the "KFC Institute for Veganism." The post garnered nearly 2 million views, highlighting the public's engagement. While some critics responded mockingly, many found Newsom's post 'epic.' This renaming comes amidst ongoing legal disputes concerning the nonprofit, which Trump controversially authorized dismantling during his administration. Despite a federal judge ruling the takeover as illegal, the legal battle continues, as claims maintain the institute's independence from presidential control. Meanwhile, Trump continues to assert his contributions to global peace, seeking validation from the Nobel Committee, which recently honored Venezuelan activist Maria Coria Machado instead.