Trump Jr.'s 'Rooftop Koreans' meme sparks outrage as 1992 LA riot imagery resurfaces amid ICE protests

Trump Jr. under fire for referencing 1992 LA riots in controversial post
Donald Trump Jr. sparked widespread backlash after posting a meme depicting an armed Korean American atop a rooftop, a reference to the 1992 Los Angeles riots. The image, widely associated with Korean shop owners defending their stores during racially charged unrest, was captioned with "Make Rooftop Koreans Great Again," drawing criticism for glorifying vigilante justice.

The post came amid escalating protests in Los Angeles following immigration raids conducted by federal agents. Demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, blocked ICE vans, and set fires. Though Trump Jr. added no comment to the image, the symbolism was interpreted as a call for armed retaliation against protesters.

Also read: Trump's ICE war spills onto streets: Where's the US headed?

Korean American groups condemn the meme amid ongoing protests
The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (Kafla) condemned Trump Jr.’s meme, stating that it exploited the community’s painful history. During the 1992 riots, Korean-owned businesses were specifically targeted, and many Korean Americans were left to defend their property without police support.

“As the son of the sitting president and a major influencer, his actions carry grave risks amid such a tense atmosphere,” Kafla stated. The group emphasized that the current unrest, while volatile, is not comparable to the chaos of 1992. Kafla also criticized the ongoing immigration raids for lacking due process and fueling confusion within immigrant communities, including Korean Americans.

Trump’s National Guard deployment reignites tensions with State leaders
President Trump’s decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles was made without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s consent, marking the first such move in six decades. The action drew comparisons to the 1992 riots, but key differences remain.

Also read: Trump deploys 2,000 national guard troops to LA amid growing anti-ICE protests

In 1992, the Guard was deployed at the request of state leaders after the acquittal of LAPD officers in the Rodney King case triggered days of deadly violence. This time, Trump cited Section 12406 of Title 10, asserting federal authority amid protests over immigration enforcement. Newsom, who filed suit against the administration, called the deployment a “manufactured crisis.”

Historic parallels raise concerns about racial polarization
The invocation of 1992-era imagery by Donald Trump Jr., coupled with federal deployment of military forces, has renewed fears about deepening racial and political polarization. In 1992, more than 60 people died and over 1,000 buildings were destroyed in a racially charged uprising. Korean Americans, then caught in the crossfire, remain sensitive to any rhetoric that revives that trauma.

Also read: Trump vows to "HIT" any protester who spits on police. He pardoned those who did far worse on Jan. 6

This time, the unrest stems from immigration policy and enforcement, but the response is drawing similar imagery and tactics. Civil rights groups warn that such associations risk inflaming public sentiment and creating dangerous environments for minorities.