Donald Trump's White House has released an image portraying the former president as James Bond, coinciding with news of auditions for the next 007. The image, shared on Saturday evening, depicts Trump as a silhouetted version of the iconic British spy, featuring the slogan “Make America Great Again.”
Trump’s Self-Mythologizing Imagery
This marks another instance of Trump's use of AI-generated images to craft a larger-than-life persona, following previous releases of himself dressed as the Pope and as a Christ-like figure. The release of the Bond-themed image aligns with his known penchant for self-aggrandizing imagery.
Response to Bond Auditions
The White House's post came in response to Variety's report on Amazon MGM Studios’ search for the next James Bond. The studio has enlisted casting director Nina Gold, known for “Game of Thrones” and “The Crown,” to oversee the auditions. Among the contenders is Tom Francis, recently seen in the “Sunset Boulevard” revival.
Despite the playful imagery, Bond’s affiliation with MI6 makes it an unlikely role for any U.S. president, even in jest. Trump, at 79, would also be disqualified by typical casting standards for the role.
Online Reactions
The image quickly became the subject of online satire. Users on platform X mocked the concept, with one post dubbing Trump “License to Groom” alongside an image of Jeffrey Epstein. Another post jokingly captioned a potbellied Trump with “Pie Another Day.” A third meme showed Trump as an overweight Bond holding a Big Mac, captioned “I Don’t Care About Your Finances,” referencing Trump's controversial comments about Americans’ financial concerns amid the Iran war.
Amazon MGM Studios’ Bond Franchise Control
Amazon MGM Studios, in a deal announced in February 2025 with Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, secured creative control of the franchise. This strategic move aims to rejuvenate the iconic series as it searches for Daniel Craig’s replacement.
As the internet buzzes with reactions, the White House's creative engagement with Trump’s image as Bond adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga of the 007 franchise’s future.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/donald-trump-james-bond-white-house-image-1236751477/
