The controversy surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s “humiliating diplomacy” toward Russia has unexpectedly evolved into a debate over homophobia.
Following the U.S.-Russia summit on July 16, where Trump was criticized for seemingly “courting” Russian President Vladimir Putin, The New York Times released a satirical video portraying the two leaders as a same-sex couple. This depiction has drawn backlash from LGBTQ+ organizations, who view the portrayal as offensive and harmful to their community.
According to NBC News, the controversy stemmed from a video posted in the opinion section of The New York Times’ website.
Titled “Trump and Putin: A Love Story,” the 1-minute-12-second animation begins with President Trump preparing for a date with his same-sex lover, President Putin. As Trump, dressed in a tuxedo, opens the door, a shirtless Putin is standing there, and the two leave together in a car. At one point, the car transforms into a unicorn, and the pair ride it while passionately sharing a French kiss, solidifying their love.
The video, which features edited audio clips of Trump’s voice synced with the animation, was created by Academy Award-nominated animator Bill Plympton. It is part of the “Trump Bites” series, a three-part satire published by The New York Times.
This provocative portrayal sparked significant backlash, particularly from LGBTQ+ groups, for its perceived insensitivity and the use of same-sex relationships as a tool for political satire.
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