Elon Musk has weighed in on US President Donald Trump displaying his own mugshot at the White House, calling it “Based” in a post on his X social media platform.
Trump seems to have framed and hung his mugshot—taken during his surrender at Fulton County Jail— in a hallway near the Oval Office.
A front page from the New York Post featuring the viral image was seen in a golden frame as Trump greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House. Press photos of the meeting captured the framed newspaper in the background.
Social media buzzed as netizens reacted to a US president hanging his own mugshot in the Oval Office.
One X user called it a “real Boss Move.”
Another user commented: “I mean, who needs a boring old portrait when you can have a framed mug shot? I’m all for it, it’s a great conversation starter.”
“That’s a man who isn’t scared of his reflection,” said another X user, while one user referred to Trump as the “Master troller in chief.”
First-ever mugshot of a US president
Trump’s mugshot was taken on August 24, 2023, following his surrender in Georgia over allegations of election interference. It was the first-ever mugshot of a US president and quickly became one of the most recognisable images of his political career. The photo made the front pages of major newspapers across the US, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal, as well as international media.
The US president has openly praised his own mugshot, taken in Fulton County, Georgia, when he surrendered on charges related to a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results.
“The mugshot is the best ever — it just beat Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra by a lot,” Trump said during his campaign last year.
“That’s the number one mugshot of all time. It’s really amazing. Since then, support from the black and Hispanic communities has skyrocketed,” Trump added.
Trump was released on a $200,000 bail and denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated. Prosecutors later dropped all charges following his re-election in November.
Instead of avoiding the mugshot, Trump made it a central part of his campaign. His team sold T-shirts, mugs, and posters featuring the image, with the slogan “Never Surrender” becoming a rallying cry for supporters. The strategy helped raise millions in donations, leading to his election victory over Democrat Kamala Harris. He took office as president on January 20.
During the White House meeting, Trump hailed Modi as a “great leader,” saying the US and India share a “very special bond.” Modi, in turn, joked about endorsing a “MIGA” (Make India Great Again) idea, while emphasising that he prioritises national interest—just as Trump does.
The PM also met with Musk to discuss key topics such as science, space, and technology. He also brought gifts for Musk’s children.
