Superheroes, mockery and threats: Trump’s frenetic day renews questions about his fitness to govern

Donald Trump spent a frenetic Sunday proposing that New Mexico be renamed “New America,” posting memes and AI-generated images, and issuing threats linked to Iran. The president published more than 60 messages on Truth Social during the day, a stream of posts that revived questions about his fitness to govern.

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Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico, one of the states with the most election fraud of all time, to NEW AMERICA.

Trump accompanied the renaming proposal with an AI-generated video showing him altering a roadside sign and then dancing. “Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico, one of the states with the most election fraud of all time, to NEW AMERICA,” he wrote. He called the new name “much more prestigious and beautiful” for the state’s residents. In another post, he shared a map with “Mexico” crossed out and replaced in red by “America.” The White House amplified the message with an eyes emoji.

The proposal cannot immediately change the state’s legal name. Trump does not have the authority to rename a state unilaterally. Such a change would require action by New Mexico authorities and Congress, although he could direct federal agencies to use a different designation in official communications.

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Much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible state. Wow, I love it!

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham rejected the idea. “The name is not up for debate,” she wrote, accusing Trump of trying to distract Americans while gasoline prices rise and the country faces war with Iran. Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury likewise criticized the president for focusing on memes while Americans struggle to pay for food, housing and medical care.

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The name is not up for debate.

The White House joined the fantasy imagery with an AI video presenting Trump as Green Lantern. The clip showed him using a glowing green ring to create a huge border wall, raise a major construction project and pose before military aircraft. It included the Green Lantern oath, “In brightest day, in darkest night, no evil shall escape my sight,” and used Kanye West’s song “Flashing Lights,” prompting further criticism over the use of commercial franchise elements.

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In brightest day, in darkest night, no evil shall escape my sight.