Donald Trump arrested as the internet erupts with memes

What! No mugshot?
 By 
Tim Marcin
 on 
Donald Trump waving at trump tower
The first former president to face criminal charges. Credit: Gotham / GC Images / Getty Images

President Donald Trump is was arraigned in New York City on Tuesday, surrendering himself to authorities amid his indictment over felonies tied to an alleged hush money scheme. It's the first time a former U.S. president has faced criminal charges.

So, yes, the internet was heavily interested in how the situation would play out on Tuesday. There were lots of jokes, incessant tracking of the former president's movement, and some disappointment in the fact that Trump didn't have to go through the typical rigamarole expected of alleged criminals.

There were jokes tied to Succession.


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There were practical concerns, like not getting tied up in the flight delays for Trump.

In fact, lots of people tracked Trump's flight into NYC.

There were jokes about Republican Rep. George Santos, the infamous fabulist, who briefly showed up at the media circus surrounding the arraignment.

No perp walk, no mugshot, no interest

There was lots of talk about the mugshot that likely won't happen. Authorities reportedly decided that the photo wasn't necessary. That was frankly a lot of what the internet wanted, considering Trump almost certainly won't face any real consequences like jail time.

There was so much press that some had to resort to...creative...measures to cover the event. Because, of course, everything with Trump somehow turns into a circus of cameras. Press had to line up to get their spot in the room to cover the arraignment.

Trump arrested, facing 34 felonies and internet ridicule

As the day wound on, the photos and reactions hit the public. Trump was followed closely as he entered and sat in the courtroom. He was charged with 34 felony counts, to which he pleaded not guilty. The jokes, predictably, were great.

The process played on throughout the day and there will be plenty more in the days, weeks, and months to come. For instance, Trump himself is expected to speak to press about it all eventually, which will be...something.

The case isn't going away anytime soon and neither will the constant jokes and memes online.

close-up of man's face
Tim Marcin
Associate Editor, Culture

Tim Marcin is an Associate Editor on the culture team at Mashable, where he mostly digs into the weird parts of the internet. You'll also see some coverage of memes, tech, sports, trends, and the occasional hot take. You can find him on Bluesky (sometimes), Instagram (infrequently), or eating Buffalo wings (as often as possible).

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