Trump Crowns Himself Pope, Snubs Constitution – Experts Warn Nation in ‘Serious Danger of Dumb’

In a political moment that defied satire and baffled even his most exhausted critics, Donald J. Trump posted a digitally altered image of himself dressed as the Pope — complete with golden robes and outstretched arms — while dodging a simple, foundational question: does he believe a U.S. president must uphold the Constitution?

To millions, it was another Tuesday in Trumpland. To MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell, it was a flashing red light on the dashboard of democracy.

“The stupidity has power,” O’Donnell said in a blistering segment. “And that’s what makes it dangerous. Trump doesn’t just misunderstand the presidency — he fundamentally lacks the mental capacity to grasp even the basic oath of office.”

The image of Trump as pope sparked immediate backlash, confusion, and a flood of memes. But behind the bizarre self-coronation lies a deeper concern: the former president’s apparent refusal to publicly commit to upholding the very document that defines the American presidency.

“Constitution? Never Heard of Her”

When asked directly whether he believes the president is obligated to uphold the Constitution, Trump delivered what could generously be called a word salad. There was no clear “yes,” no clear “no” — only an evasive fog of bluster, grievance, and classic Trumpian deflection.

“You know, a lot of people are saying the Constitution, very unfair to me,” Trump said during a recent radio interview. “Some people even think it was written just to stop me. And frankly, that’s what I’ve heard.”

Legal scholars immediately sounded the alarm.

“Refusing to affirm a duty to uphold the Constitution is not just ignorance — it’s a direct threat to democratic norms,” said Professor Angela Morales, a constitutional law expert at Georgetown. “But in Trump’s case, the ignorance is the point. He thrives in chaos, and chaos thrives when the basics are tossed aside.”

The Dangerous Art of Dumb

While critics have long dismissed Trump as an unserious and uninformed figure, O’Donnell argues that underestimating him is precisely what gives his brand of ignorance such reach.

“It’s not just that he’s uninformed,” O’Donnell said. “It’s that his ignorance is weaponized. He makes stupidity look like strength to people who feel alienated by facts.”

Trump’s loyal base doesn’t seem fazed. Social media erupted with praise for “Pope Don,” with supporters calling the image “badass,” “anointed,” and “proof of divine favor.” Others posted “Trump 2024: In God We Trust, In Trump We Vote” graphics, complete with crosses and bald eagles.

You May Not Know How Bad It Really Is

For those still capable of shock, political observers say this may just be the surface of something deeper — and dumber.

“You may not realize how far he’s willing to go,” said former White House aide Jennifer Davis. “This is a man who once asked if we could nuke hurricanes. Who suggested injecting bleach. Who looked directly at an eclipse. And now he’s questioning whether the Constitution applies to him. We’re in uncharted idiocracy.”

The alarming part, many say, is not just Trump’s words — it’s the silence of those around him. Once again, Republican leaders have largely avoided condemning or even commenting on his statements.

“Every time he crosses a new line, the silence grows louder,” said political analyst Rachel Lin. “And the more dangerous his behavior becomes, the more normalized it gets.”

A Warning Wrapped in Robes

As Trump continues his 2024 campaign — complete with golden statues, Bible-branding, and bizarre merchandise — his papal post may be the perfect symbol of a movement that blends authoritarianism, narcissism, and a touch of theatrical absurdity.

“Don’t laugh too hard,” O’Donnell warned viewers. “Because while it may look like a joke, it’s a joke with very real consequences.”

In the age of Trump, it seems, the line between parody and presidency continues to blur. And as the robes get flashier, the stakes keep rising.