A new photo of former President Donald Trump has gone viral across social media because it looks like he has horns sprouting from the top of his head.
The image, taken by photographer Jim Watson during a cabinet meeting on October 9, captures Trump sitting directly in front of a large golden eagle decoration. The bright light and positioning of the sculpture make it appear as if two shiny horns are emerging from his head, giving the picture an almost devilish or mythical look.
Once the photo started circulating online, it quickly became the subject of endless jokes, memes, and commentary. Many internet users found humor in how perfectly the moment was captured, saying it looked intentional even though it was just a coincidence of lighting and perspective.
Others pointed out that the image seemed to fit with the way critics have jokingly portrayed Trump for years—as a larger-than-life figure often linked to controversy and exaggeration. Some supporters brushed off the viral reaction as another example of how the media and internet culture twist even ordinary moments into political statements.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened to Trump. A similar photo was taken on July 9, 2020, during a meeting with Hispanic leaders in the Cabinet Room. In that picture, the same kind of golden eagle decor created the illusion that Trump had horns, just as he was preparing to sign an executive order. Both photos show how easily camera angles and lighting can create unexpected and often humorous optical illusions.
The new image has inspired an outpouring of creativity online. Artists and meme creators have edited the picture to exaggerate the “horns,” adding glowing effects, fiery backgrounds, or even turning Trump into a cartoonish devil figure. Others have used the photo to spark deeper conversations about how images can shape public perception and how quickly visual moments can spread in the digital age.
Despite the humorous undertone, the viral photo is a reminder of how every moment involving a public figure—especially someone as polarizing as Trump—can become an internet sensation within hours. Whether people view it as funny, eerie, or symbolic, the image shows how something as simple as lighting and timing can capture the imagination of millions online.
