I am the guy who created the altered presidential seal projected behind Trump. It's been a weird day. AMA!

How did you first learn your seal had been used? What was your reaction when you found out?

I was browsing Reddit and Fark with my morning coffee. Saw the story, didn't even register that it had anything to do with me. As soon as I saw the picture I was floored.

Given that your design is a parody, with intent to deceive the viewer without closer inspection, I don't think you could have asked for a better outcome than this situation.

It's a comedy, in the best possible way.

Do you have any other non-joke works? Is there something you can plug that we can look for more?

Yes but I'm not inclined to have worlds collide. Maybe at some future date after this has blown over I'll pull a Reddit "Hey I'm the guy that blah blah blah and here's my other stuff" kind of deal.

Have you gotten any hate mail or worse yet?

Are you kidding?

Can you share some of the highlights?

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

When did you make it?

I created this in 2016 as nothing more than an outlet for frustration. I never imagined I'd be sitting here years later with this as a result.

All these things you encapsulated in this design years ago and yet they’ve all become even MORE prominently displayed by him as time has gone by... is there anything you wish you could have changed or added now?

I wish I didn't have to answer this question. What a shit show the last couple of years have been.

You're on Rachel Maddow!

Link?

It was in approx the first 5 to 10 minutes of her show, where she gives the context of the event, as well as deep dives the seal. Your store is also included!

MSNBC hasn't upped the official clip, but you can see it here on some illegal rebroadcast until it gets taken down: https://youtu.be/khDuO5fSq2k?t=294

Thank you.

So /u/Titors_Time_Machine, is this your site or did someone steal that image from you?

https://one-term-donnie.myshopify.com/

That's mine.

Have you been visited by individuals in black suits yet?

I can't remember?

Honestly, no not at all. I did take the precaution of contacting my local police precinct to fill them in on the day. They're giving me some extra patrols tonight.

Damn, that's smart. Did you go into specifics? Or were you general about the situation?

I was fairly specific. It took awhile for them to even get a handle on what I was saying.

"You did a what now? You photoshopped Trump? So you're saying you made an internet post?" etc etc etc

Have any of the late-night shows reached out to you yet? I'd love to see you make the rounds talking about it and how shitty Mango Mussolini is. He'd have a breakdown

No, but I honestly don't know what I'd have to offer in person that I haven't already said to other media outlets.

Are you at all afraid of the administration retaliating against you??

Nope.

Do people ever tell you you remind them of an off brand Seth Rogan?

Cool. I'm generic dollar store Seth Rogan. What's my name?

Meth Rogain

I think it's this one.

I read in one of the articles that you're a former Republican who was pushed away by the president. How have the last 3 years effected your political views?

Yeah I read that too. It's sort of accurate. The sentiment I was trying to get across is that I have voted for republicans in the past. Like many people I was caught up in a post 9/11 America haze and wasn't thinking as critically as I maybe should have. I was also in my late 20s. I'm 47 now. Older, wiser and almost overwhelmingly more informed.

thanos here, what did it cost to either you or Trump?

Everything. C'mon man, keep up.

Are you asking for compensation from the display of your image?

Not in and of itself, only on the merch people are buying.

Let me be clear. The fact that people are buying shirts and hats all of this sudden is very cool. (TM Red Letter Media) But the honest to god joy I got out of seeing that orange idiot standing in front of the seal clapping and hooting made my year.

If nothing else, this crazy day has shown that in the internet age, random acts of art and expression can have huge repercussions, as long as the President is dumb enough to stand in front of them.

What would you say to budding artists and pranksters on the internet who want to use their talents for good?

Just do your thing and do it for you. That's where the catharsis and enjoyment live. If suddenly years later something comes of it then bonus!

How did your coworkers react?

Well, my primary coworkers are cats and a dog. They thought it was awesome. Or they wanted food and a walk. Unclear.

Why the double eagle?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Russia

This.

How are your fifteen minutes of fame treating you do far?

10:45, 10:46, 10:47...

If you dont mind me asking, whats your daily job?

Video production and graphic design. Nothing you've heard of and nothing sexy. I just make a living.

I don't think I could possibly be more impressed by your work. How do you feel right now? Are you nervous or stressed out or excited? What do you think will come of this?

Are you nervous or stressed out or excited?

Yes.

U of R or VCU?

The latter.

Any plans to take this idea further? There's so much material when it comes to Trump

I have a daytime gig that I enjoy so I don't plan on leaving that and making myself miserable by burying myself full time into the misery that is the Trump administration. Better people than me do that everyday. That said, I guess I'll keep onetermdonnie.com up and running from now on and add the occasional thing when inspiration strikes.