Transgender Activist Charged for Threatening to Kill President Trump

Phillip Wharton, who goes by the name Sadie, faces up to 10 years in prison for alleged threats.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Phillip Richard Wharton, a 20-year-old transgender activist, has been charged with two counts of threatening a federal official in the Western District of Washington. According to the indictment, Wharton allegedly posted threats on social media in August and September 2025, stating plans to kill the President of the United States and wear his face as a mask.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the intersection of transgender rights activism and violence, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing online threats against public officials.

The details

The first alleged threat was posted on August 19, 2025, along with a photograph and text stating: "What the guy in the White House sees after I kill the US PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN AND WEAR HIS FACE AS A MASK." The second count stems from a September 23, 2025 post that read: "My name is Sadie Online. I am going to kill the president tomorrow. This is not a joke, but a confession admissible in a court of law."

  • On August 19, 2025, Wharton allegedly posted the first threat on social media.
  • On September 23, 2025, Wharton allegedly posted the second threat on social media.

The players

Phillip Richard Wharton

A 20-year-old transgender activist who goes by the name Sadie and uses the 'Mx' honorific, and who has been charged with two counts of threatening a federal official.

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What they’re saying

“What the guy in the White House sees after I kill the US PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN AND WEAR HIS FACE AS A MASK.”

— Phillip Wharton, Transgender Activist (Social Media)

“My name is Sadie Online. I am going to kill the president tomorrow. This is not a joke, but a confession admissible in a court of law.”

— Phillip Wharton, Transgender Activist (Social Media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Wharton's bail and whether the case will proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing online threats and the complex intersection of transgender rights activism and violence, which requires a nuanced and balanced approach from law enforcement and the justice system.