Korean Americans Condemn Donald Trump Jr. for "Reckless" Social Media Post Exploiting 1992 Trauma
The Korean American community in Los Angeles has launched strong criticism against Donald Trump Jr. for a social media post invoking the traumatic 1992 Los Angeles Riots amid ongoing protests over federal immigration raids. The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) described Trump Jr.'s actions as "reckless and exploitative," warning they risk inflaming racial tensions during an already volatile period.
The Provocative Post and Immediate Backlash
On June 8, 2025, Donald Trump Jr. posted a photograph on X (formerly Twitter) showing an armed Korean American man on a rooftop during the 1992 LA Riots. The caption read: "Make Rooftop Koreans Great Again!" – a play on his father’s campaign slogan. The image referenced the "Rooftop Koreans" phenomenon, where Korean American business owners defended their properties with firearms during the riots after being abandoned by law enforcement.
Within hours, KAFLA issued a strongly worded condemnation:
"As the son of the sitting president and a major influencer with 15 million followers, his actions could pose a huge risk in these icy times. We strongly urge that the past trauma of the Korean American community never be exploited for any purpose".
Why the "Rooftop Koreans" Reference Is Profoundly Traumatic
The 1992 LA Riots erupted after the acquittal of four LAPD officers who brutally beat Black motorist Rodney King. During six days of violence:
Over 60 people died and 1,000+ buildings were destroyed
Korean-owned businesses were disproportionately targeted for looting and arson
With police withdrawing from Koreatown, residents formed armed self-defense groups on rooftops
The term "Rooftop Koreans" symbolizes both community resilience and institutional abandonment. For survivors, the imagery evokes memories of:
Life-threatening vigilante defense
Permanent economic losses (many businesses never recovered)
Interracial tensions with neighboring communities
Table: Key Differences Between 1992 Riots and 2025 Protests
| Context | 1992 LA Riots | 2025 ICE Protests |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Acquittal of police in Rodney King beating | ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants |
| Violence Level | Near-anarchy; 60+ deaths | Isolated clashes; no fatalities reported |
| Law Enforcement | Withdrew from Koreatown | Present but criticized for aggressive tactics |
| Korean American Role | Armed self-defense out of necessity | Advocacy for immigrant rights due to raid impacts |
The Photographer's Legal and Ethical Challenge
The image Trump Jr. used was captured by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Hyungwon Kang, then reporting for the Los Angeles Times. Kang immediately called out the unauthorized use:
"That’s my picture you’re using without permission. You’re using it out of context. Please take it down".
Kang clarified the historical context:
"The current situation... is not remotely similar to the dire circumstances Korean Americans faced in 1992. Using my photo to portray immigration protesters as lawless fuels racial tension and grossly misrepresents American values" .
As of June 10, Kang is consulting lawyers about copyright infringement and contextual distortion. Legal experts suggest he has strong grounds for a misappropriation lawsuit .
Broader Community Outrage and Political Context
Trump Jr.’s post coincided with escalating tensions over ICE raids in Los Angeles:
June 7-8, 2025: ICE conducted coordinated raids in LA’s garment district (including Korean-owned businesses), arresting 118 suspected undocumented immigrants.
KAFLA condemned the raids as "unilateral and heavy-handed," citing lack of due process and collateral damage to local businesses .
President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops over objections from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who called it a "manufactured crisis" and "act of a dictator" .
Box: Community Impacts of ICE Raids
"Confusion spreads among residents—including Korean Americans—amid reports of arrests involving people with limited English proficiency or unable to immediately verify immigration status. Businesses in affected sectors sustain significant losses" .
Why the Analogy Is Historically Inaccurate
KAFLA and major media outlets emphasize critical distinctions between 1992 and 2025:
Scale of Violence: The 1992 riots involved citywide "near-anarchy" versus localized 2025 protests with isolated confrontations .
Law Enforcement Presence: LAPD maintains order today, unlike the 1992 withdrawal .
Community Stance: Korean Americans now oppose state violence (ICE raids) rather than resorting to vigilante defense .
Broader Implications: Trauma, Politics, and Democracy
This incident highlights three systemic issues:
Trauma Exploitation: Using historical pain of marginalized groups for political memes disregards community agency. As KAFLA notes, the "Rooftop Korean" narrative oversimplifies a complex trauma into a pro-gun soundbite.
Federal-State Conflict: Trump’s deployment of National Guard without state consent—the first such move in 60 years—parallels his administration’s broader pattern of circumventing local governance .
Racial Polarization: Reviving 1992 imagery amid immigration protests risks reigniting inter-community tensions. Civil rights groups warn such rhetoric could endanger minority groups.
Community Calls to Action
KAFLA urges concrete responses:
Immediate removal of the exploitative social media post
Legal accountability for unauthorized image use
Legislative intervention to stop "heavy-handed" ICE operations
Dialogue initiatives to address immigration policies humanely
"We will work closely with local organizations to ensure no individuals are unjustly harmed by this situation" – KAFLA Statement
Conclusion: Memory, Power, and Responsibility
Donald Trump Jr.’s "Rooftop Koreans" post represents more than a tasteless meme—it exemplifies how historical trauma can be weaponized to justify state violence. For Korean Americans, the 1992 riots remain an open wound compounded by economic precarity and ongoing racial tensions. The community’s forceful rejection of this narrative marks a stand against exploitative politicization and for inclusive justice.
As Kang, the photographer, asserts, misrepresenting this history "runs contrary to American values." How political leaders respond to this criticism will test their commitment to those values
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