MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Attack of the Karens: After Elon Musk gets called Space Karen, Internet dubs Donald Trump #WhiteHouseKaren

As the words "White House Karen" trended on Twitter, thousands criticized Trump over his unwillingness to admit that he had lost the election to President-elect Joe Biden

Soon after SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk was called “Space Karen” on social media, the trend #WhiteHouseKaren made its way to Twitter, with thousands of people mocking him. 

Musk was given this title after he claimed that he tested both positive and negative for the virus multiple times on the same day, claiming “Something extremely bogus is going on”. Musk has constantly played the pandemic down. In March, he had declared that "the coronavirus pandemic is dumb,” even going so far as to say back then, “Based on current trends, probably close to zero new cases in the U.S. too by end of April.”

So, it came as little surprise when online users dubbed him a Karen, the archetype of “an irritating, entitled woman, sometimes as an ex-wife who took custody of ‘the kids’.” It’s a name given to any person who comes from privilege, displays undue entitlement, and annoys people with their antics. Yes, Karens are typically white women. But as can be seen in memes, it is on certain occasions used for men. A typical example of "Karen" behavior is demanding to speak to the manager for what they perceive to be unfair, but in reality, is not.

The #WhiteHouseKaren meme then makes sense for Trump, who has refused to accept that he has lost the Presidential election. As per reports, despite the fact that it has been more than a week since President-elect Joe Biden was declared the winner, Trump continues to block his successor’s transition, withholding intelligence briefings, critical information about the coronavirus pandemic, and access of other kinds. On Friday, John R. Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, said, “Every day that he delays under the pretense that he’s simply asking for his legal remedies ultimately is to the country’s disadvantage.”

But Trump has been relentlessly tweeting that he will not concede. He has also been tweeting unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, that many have labeled as disinformation. Ron Klain, who will be Biden’s chief of staff, said, “Donald Trump’s Twitter feed doesn’t make Joe Biden president or not president. The American people did that.”

So, Trump’s antics made sure that the words “White House Karen” was etched into Twitter history. One Twitter user, sharing a meme of Trump with the Karen haircut -- a kind of bob that’s much more spikey looking -- wrote, “Trump is literally a #WhiteHouseKaren.” Another Twitter user, responding to a Trump tweet claiming that he had won the election, wrote, “Keep telling yourself that, White House Karen. #WhiteHouseKaren.” The Democratic Coalition, a Washington D.C.-based Super PAC formed in 2016 with the main goal of “making sure that Donald Trump never became President”, wrote on Twitter, “Message to #WhiteHouseKaren: America is hurting, won't you do ANYTHING about it?”

While many shared memes, others also shared more serious commentary under the hashtag. One Twitter user said, “ALL Presidents in U.S. History have taken responsibility for their mistakes, EXCEPT #WhiteHouseKaren. In January 2021, we will again have a President who will lead with compassion & decency.” Another Twitter user said, “Trump thought millions would take to the streets this weekend to demand he remains in office. In reality, it was just a few thousand who rallied for Trump. It's over Donald- Time to say bye-bye!  #WhiteHouseKaren.” One Twitter user noted, “#WhiteHouseKaren So let me get this straight: Trump wants credit for the creation of ‘possible’ vaccines that ‘might’ help combat ‘The Hoax Virus’?! Get the F outta here!!!! And BTW:  We Reject Government By Cult!”