Moment 31 – Thanking “Darth Vader” in Speech
In October 2025, during a Rose Garden luncheon with Republican senators, Trump introduced White House budget director Russ Vought as “Darth Vader,” praising him for slashing Democratic priorities. He said, “They call him Darth Vader, I call him a fine man,” thanking him for doing “a great job” and promising those cuts were permanent. The bizarre Star Wars reference drew awkward, delayed applause, turning a serious budget talk into pop-culture comedy.
The moment went viral on TikTok and Twitter, with memes comparing Trump’s administration to the Empire. Critics called it tone-deaf and authoritarian-leaning, while supporters saw it as fun bravado. It highlighted Trump’s flair for dramatic nicknames, blending policy with entertainment in a way that often left audiences stunned. The clip reinforced perceptions of his unpredictable style, making headlines far beyond the fiscal details discussed that day.
