It appeared without warning, sliding into social media feeds amid footage of chanting crowds and protest signs.
At first, it blended into the noise of political demonstration. Then viewers noticed it—a guillotine, prominently displayed, topped with a likeness unmistakably resembling the sitting president. Within minutes, outrage replaced confusion, and attention turned to a single question: why would a lawmaker share something so incendiary?
North Carolina Democratic Representative Julie von Haefen found herself at the center of a growing political storm after reposting a video from a “No Kings” protest in Raleigh that included the disturbing prop. The imagery, widely interpreted as endorsing violence against President Donald Trump, triggered swift condemnation from across the political spectrum.
As criticism mounted, von Haefen quickly shut down her social media accounts and released a statement expressing regret. She said the clip had been edited to remove the offending image and insisted she rejects political violence in any form. The apology, however, did little to slow the backlash.
Republican leaders across the state sharply rebuked her actions. North Carolina GOP Chairman Jason Simmons questioned her fitness for office, arguing that the post demonstrated a serious lack of judgment.
House Speaker Destin Hall echoed those concerns, calling the incident “deeply disturbing,” particularly given its timing. He noted that the video circulated during the same weekend a gunman targeted elected officials in Minnesota, making the imagery even more alarming.
Local leaders also joined the criticism. Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert said the post crossed an ethical boundary and contributed to an already volatile political climate.
Online, conservative activists and commentators intensified the reaction, sharing screenshots of the video and demanding von Haefen’s resignation.
Some posts went viral, framing the incident as evidence of extremism unfit for public office.
As pressure continues to build, uncertainty remains over what comes next. It is unclear whether von Haefen will face formal consequences, resign under mounting scrutiny, or receive backing from Democratic leadership.
What is certain is that the controversy has injected fresh tension into North Carolina’s political landscape and reignited debates over the responsibilities of elected officials online.
Conclusion
The episode highlights how quickly a single social media post can overshadow years of public service. In an era of heightened political anxiety, symbolic imagery carries real weight—and real consequences.
For Julie von Haefen, the fallout from one repost may prove far more defining than any legislation she has supported, serving as a cautionary tale about the thin line between protest and provocation.