The latest political theatre involves mariachi music piped into the White House press briefing room, along with images that some deem emblematic of cultural stereotypes. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, however, is not amused.
The expressions on the faces of Collins and her colleagues reveal a mix of bewilderment and irritation; it’s glaringly obvious that the Trump administration’s indifference to their press criticism is grating.
The Daily Wire reported:
During a segment on Wednesday, CNN anchors John Berman and Kaitlan Collins struggled to comprehend the Trump administration’s apparent willingness to not only defend but celebrate a meme they labeled “racist.” This meme, featuring House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries adorned with a fake mustache and sombrero, was prominently displayed in the White House briefing room.
Berman noted, “So we played sound from Vice President Pence not just defending that AI-manipulated video of Minority Leader Jeffries wearing a sombrero, but celebrating it while it looped in the briefing room.” He posed the question to Collins: “What insights are you garnering on this from your contacts inside?”
Collins replied, “Currently, the administration is under fire for these posts by the president from various Democrats, and rather than retracting or apologizing, they’re fully embracing it. They are playing the music on loudspeakers in the briefing room, demonstrating they simply do not care about the criticism they are receiving.”
Watch the clip below:
CNN’s Kaitlan Collins is astonished by the Trump administration doubling down on memes and mariachi music in the White House briefing room:
“They simply don’t care about the criticism.”
Correct — this is precisely what drives the mainstream media into a frenzy. Their inability to sway the administration’s tactics leaves them feeling powerless.
pic.twitter.com/hduEvgFT3q— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) October 2, 2025
As the sombrero meme becomes the talk of the town, even the comedians aren’t missing the fun. Check out Trump impersonator Shawn Farash:
THIS WINS THE INTERNET TODAY,
@Shawn_Farash!!!
pic.twitter.com/cFz2GqHmdW— il Donaldo Trumpo (@PapiTrumpo) October 1, 2025
It seems no one is immune from the sombrero treatment:
AOC is less than pleased with the sombrero and mustache memes
pic.twitter.com/f1y1KMRUMK— what.i.meme.to.say (@whatimemetosay) October 2, 2025
Why are Democrats so committed to poking fun at sombreros while giving away healthcare?
https://t.co/g2xYRbTEj6
pic.twitter.com/nWgSGlz90j— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 30, 2025
In an absurd twist of irony, while Democrats have compared Trump to Hitler in years past, they now find themselves taking offense over a sombrero joke. Perhaps they could take a lesson in the value of political humor—or better, lighten up as they navigate the unpredictable waters of contemporary politics.
Mike LaChance has an extensive background in the intersections of higher education and politics, contributing insightful pieces for various outlets since 2012.
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