Donald Trump has sparked online debate after posting an image of himself standing beside a handcuffed alien
Daily Mail / Facebook
Just when you thought the internet couldn’t get any stranger, Donald Trump has entered the UFO chat.
The US president sparked confusion, memes, conspiracy theories, and a whole lot of side-eyes after posting an AI-generated image of himself standing next to a handcuffed alien at what appeared to be a US military base.
The image, shared on his Truth Social account on Sunday, showed Trump flanked by security while an extraterrestrial-looking figure stood in cuffs beside him.
Daily Mail / Facebook
ALSO READ: Look up, SA! A rare planetary parade is coming tonight
Naturally, the internet completely lost its mind.
According to the Daily Mail, the post arrived just days after the White House and Pentagon began releasing more UFO-related files connected to so-called “unidentified anomalous phenomena” (UAPs).
While many people assumed the image was meant as a joke, others weren’t so sure.
Investor and mathematician Eric Weinstein reacted on X by suggesting the post could mean almost anything.
He reportedly wrote that it could be “dorky dad humor,” a distraction, or even “a clever way to prepare the world.”
This honestly sounds like the plot of a Netflix sci-fi series nobody would admit to watching… but everyone secretly binges in one night.
Others online were more sceptical.
Some users accused the government of muddying the waters around UFO disclosure, while others believed the post was simply trolling the public during a time when interest in alien theories is at an all-time high.
One user described it as “soft propaganda,” while another claimed it was all designed to keep people arguing online instead of focusing on bigger issues.
Apparently even aliens can’t escape internet discourse.
ALSO READ: New hijacking trends in SA: These are the most dangerous days and times
The image quickly inspired a flood of memes and edited videos across social media, including one viral clip featuring Elon Musk walking beside Trump and the alien.
Whether the post was meant as satire, trolling, humour, or something deeper, one thing is clear: people are paying attention.
In 2026, that might be the most powerful weapon in the universe.
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet, channel 836.
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your Openview decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa.
MORE ON EAST COAST RADIO