Imagine a sitting state senator and doctor holding a sign that appears to wish ill health on a former president—shocking, right? That’s exactly what happened when Connecticut Democrat Saud Anwar joined a massive anti-Trump rally on Saturday, stirring up a firestorm of criticism from conservatives and concerned citizens alike.
The Daily Mail reported that on Saturday afternoon, Anwar, a pulmonary physician and Yale graduate, took part in the nationwide No Kings protest, which saw roughly seven million Americans rally against President Donald Trump and his administration in cities like New York, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C.
At the event, Anwar wielded a sign reading, “Cholesterol, do your job!” complete with images of fried chicken, burgers, and fries. While Trump’s name wasn’t explicitly mentioned, the message was widely seen as a jab at the president’s health, hinting at the dangers of high cholesterol, which can lead to heart attacks or worse.
The image of Anwar with the controversial sign spread like wildfire online, especially after conservative accounts amplified the story with scathing rebukes.
The popular Libs of TikTok account on X didn’t hold back, calling the display “absolutely disgusting” for someone in Anwar’s dual roles as a government official and doctor.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz also weighed in, condemning the act with a pointed remark: “Hate and violence define today’s Dems. Tragic.” When a fellow senator calls out this kind of rhetoric, it’s hard not to wonder if the political discourse has sunk to a new low—or if this is just the left’s latest attempt to play edgy for clicks.
Public reaction online was equally heated, with many demanding Anwar issue a public apology or even face consequences for his medical license. One commenter fumed, “That is horrible. What a terrible thing to wish on anyone!”
Not everyone saw the sign as a scandal, though—some online voices actually cheered Anwar on, calling it a “funny sign” or witty commentary. This split in reaction just shows how polarized the nation remains, where one person’s humor is another’s horror.
The No Kings rallies themselves were a broader expression of frustration with Trump’s administration, with liberal leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging peaceful marches to defend democracy. Other Democratic figures joined in across the country, protesting what they see as overreach by Trump and his allies.
On the other side, House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the protests, warning of disruptive elements like “Hamas supporters” and “antifa types” among the crowds. His comments paint a stark contrast to the left’s narrative, framing the events as less about democracy and more about chaos.
President Trump, never one to shy from a fight, hit back in his own unique way during a Fox News interview, firmly stating, “I am not a king.”
But then, in classic Trump fashion, he leaned into the mockery by sharing an AI-generated video on Truth Social, portraying himself as a fighter pilot in a jet labeled “King Trump,” complete with dramatic music.
The video, which depicted Trump bombing protestors with less-than-flattering ammunition, was paired with another AI creation of a Time Magazine cover crowning him king. It’s a bold move—dismissing the criticism while turning the “king” label into a satirical jab at his detractors.
Vice President JD Vance also jumped into the fray, posting a satirical video of Trump as a monarch with prominent Democrats bowing before him. It’s clear the Trump camp sees this as a chance to flip the narrative, using humor to counter what they view as overblown outrage from the left.
As for Anwar, a former mayor of South Windsor, Connecticut, and alumnus of Aga Khan University in Pakistan, neither he nor the Connecticut Democratic Party has issued a response despite outreach from media like the Daily Mail. His silence leaves room for speculation—did he mean to provoke, or was this just a poorly judged attempt at humor?
