How Memes Unravel the Image of Trump as Martyr

Meme-makers are using the July 13, 2024 Butler, Pennsylvania assassination attempt photo of Donald Trump raising his fist to puncture what the article calls the martyr image Trump's supporters and some critics have built around it. The article says critics such as MSNBC and New York Times pundits have praised Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci's photo as "iconic," while memes mock that framing with images like Trump's bleeding ear shown at a Claire's backdrop. It also notes that some memes link the photo to Trump's record and to the gun lobby, and that the photos are appearing on merchandise and helping raise millions for Trump's campaign.