Focus on the BIG picture.
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026
Outside the box.
White House Presidents’ Day Message Highlights Trump’s ‘Hunted to Hunter’ Narrative
Administration’s holiday post invokes a combative theme from President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, framing his second term as a turning point against critics and opponents
On Presidents’ Day 2026, the White House posted an image and message that drew widespread attention by invoking a phrase repeatedly used by President Donald Trump to depict his current administration as assertively confronting his critics and perceived enemies.
The holiday message, which appeared on official social media channels early Monday, featured a stylised image of Mr. Trump above the words “I was the hunted, and now I’m the hunter,” a line he has used to contrast his second term with his first, suggesting that he has succeeded in overcoming past opposition.
Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday honouring the legacy of U.S. presidents such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, traditionally centres on themes of unity and national heritage.
In contrast, the White House’s post emphasised a narrative of political struggle and retribution that has characterised much of Mr. Trump’s discourse since his return to the presidency.
The phrase in the image stems from several recent interviews in which Mr. Trump described his shift from being beset by critics to taking a more proactive posture against them.
The timing of this message on a day meant to celebrate the nation’s leadership history has sparked commentary from political observers.
Some interpret the communication as reinforcing Mr. Trump’s commitment to pursue what he calls accountability for those who challenged him, while others note the atypical tone for a holiday intended to transcend partisan conflict.
Critics argue that such language could deepen divisions at a moment when national unity is the ostensible focus of the holiday, but supporters of the president see the message as a candid affirmation of his determination to stand firm against political adversaries.
Officials in the Trump administration did not issue an expanded public statement beyond the holiday post, leaving interpretation to analysts and commentators who observed how the content resonated across social and traditional media platforms.
The episode reflects the continued centrality of Mr. Trump’s personal narrative in the official communication of the White House in the early months of his second term.
The holiday message, which appeared on official social media channels early Monday, featured a stylised image of Mr. Trump above the words “I was the hunted, and now I’m the hunter,” a line he has used to contrast his second term with his first, suggesting that he has succeeded in overcoming past opposition.
Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday honouring the legacy of U.S. presidents such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, traditionally centres on themes of unity and national heritage.
In contrast, the White House’s post emphasised a narrative of political struggle and retribution that has characterised much of Mr. Trump’s discourse since his return to the presidency.
The phrase in the image stems from several recent interviews in which Mr. Trump described his shift from being beset by critics to taking a more proactive posture against them.
The timing of this message on a day meant to celebrate the nation’s leadership history has sparked commentary from political observers.
Some interpret the communication as reinforcing Mr. Trump’s commitment to pursue what he calls accountability for those who challenged him, while others note the atypical tone for a holiday intended to transcend partisan conflict.
Critics argue that such language could deepen divisions at a moment when national unity is the ostensible focus of the holiday, but supporters of the president see the message as a candid affirmation of his determination to stand firm against political adversaries.
Officials in the Trump administration did not issue an expanded public statement beyond the holiday post, leaving interpretation to analysts and commentators who observed how the content resonated across social and traditional media platforms.
The episode reflects the continued centrality of Mr. Trump’s personal narrative in the official communication of the White House in the early months of his second term.
