White House Marks Presidents Day With Dark Threat to Trump's Enemies

The phrase stems from Trump's second term efforts to exact revenge on political foes.

Feb. 16, 2026 at 11:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The White House has marked Presidents' Day with a social media post featuring a dark message highlighting Donald Trump's grievance-fueled retribution campaign. The post included an image of Trump on the cover of Time Magazine above the words 'I was the hunted, and now I'm the hunter' - a phrase Trump has repeatedly used to describe his second term in office and his desire to exact revenge on his political enemies.

Why it matters

The imagery and tone of the White House's Presidents' Day post were at odds with the holiday's traditional emphasis on civic unity and historical commemoration. The post reflects Trump's continued efforts to target and punish those he sees as political foes, raising concerns about the politicization of the presidency and the rule of law.

The details

The 'hunted/hunter' phrase originates from the president's efforts to cast his first administration as besieged by critics, media, and political foes—and his second as a time to exact revenge on them. Trump has made no secret about his desire to 'hunt' political enemies, targeting everyone from former FBI director James Comey to New York Attorney General Letitia James. Beyond criminal investigations, the administration's revenge tour has also included efforts to remove government watchdogs, dismiss federal employees, revoke security clearances and target the press.

  • The White House's Presidents' Day message was posted on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • Trump has repeatedly used the 'hunted/hunter' phrase to describe his second term in recent interviews and appearances.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who is seeking to return to the White House and has vowed to exact revenge on his political enemies.

James Comey

The former FBI director who was fired by Trump in 2017.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General who has investigated Trump and his businesses.

John Bolton

Trump's former National Security Adviser.

Don Lemon

The former CNN host who was recently arrested in connection to a protest he had covered at a Minnesota church.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In 2016, I declared, I am your voice. Today I add, I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution'.”

— Donald Trump (Conservative Political Action Conference)

“The events before my arrest, and what's happened since, show that people are finally realizing what this Administration is all about. For them, the process is the punishment. Like all of you here in Minnesota, I will not be intimidated, I will not back down, and I will fight these baseless charges.”

— Don Lemon, Former CNN host (Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case against Don Lemon will decide on February 9th whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

The White House's Presidents' Day message reflects the continued politicization of the presidency under Trump, raising concerns about the rule of law and the potential for further retribution against his perceived enemies if he were to return to office.