North Carolina Democratic Representative Julie von Haefen has become the center of a political firestorm after she shared a graphic image on social media that appeared to endorse violence against former President Donald Trump. The image, revealed during the "No Kings" protest in Raleigh on June 15, 2025, depicted a bloody guillotine with a prop that symbolized a decapitated Trump, accompanied by a sign stating, "In these difficult times, some cuts may be necessary."
The post, which praised the turnout of the protest, prompted immediate and fierce criticism from Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators throughout the state. Rep. von Haefen removed the image from a video she posted but stopped short of issuing an apology. In a Facebook statement, she declared, "I condemn political violence in all forms," and stressed her dedication to unity, referencing recent violence in Minnesota that resulted in the death of a state legislator and her spouse.
However, critics were quick to point out the discrepancy between von Haefen's statement and her initial endorsement of the protest, underscored by her use of hashtags supportive of the "No Kings" movement. Republican Rep. Erin Paré condemned von Haefen, stating, "This is a sitting state legislator who is publicly applauding the beheading of President Trump just hours after a state legislator and her spouse were murdered in cold blood." The Republican Party of North Carolina demanded that political violence "should be condemned, not encouraged."
The controversy has put top state leaders, including Democratic Governor Josh Stein, House Speaker Destin Hall, and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, in the spotlight for their silence on the matter. Meanwhile, von Haefen, a three-term lawmaker and certified Guardian ad Litem with law licenses in multiple states, has been known for her community involvement and advocacy.
The "No Kings" protests have been staged nationwide, partly in response to President Trump's celebration of the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. With more than 1,700 reported protests, including 27 in North Carolina, the movement has garnered significant attention. The Democratic Party, which has previously supported policies like federal vaccine mandates and school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now found itself embroiled in this contentious issue as it prepares for the upcoming election season.
In the 2024 election, Trump achieved a decisive victory, casting a spotlight on the current political climate and the actions of political figures like von Haefen. The North Carolina Democratic Party, rather than addressing von Haefen's post directly, issued a general statement condemning politically motivated violence. At the same time, von Haefen's social media presence has become a focal point, with her account on platform X now deleted.
Amid heightened national tensions following a series of politically motivated violent incidents, the calls for accountability from elected officials have intensified. Many argue that leaders should steer clear of any communication that could be construed as endorsing violence, advocating for a more civil and respectful political discourse.
