These Americans are hilariously upset by Martin Luther King Jr.'s absence from Trump's inauguration

Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration ceremony, held on January 20, 2025, was attended by prominent personalities, such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. However, one notable figure who was absent—for the most obvious reason—was the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In a bizarre turn of events, Dr. King's absence from the event became a contentious subject for some 21st-century Americans.

A video featured on the popular talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (@jimmykimmellive on TikTok) humorously showcased people sharing their opinions on the imaginary scenario, leaving many viewers in disbelief. “A shocking inauguration edition,” the caption provided context, taking a dig at the supporters of the newly appointed president of the United States.

The nearly three-minute footage was part of the famous recurring segment of Jimmy Kimmel Live’s "Lie Witness News" vox pop edition.

As usual, an interviewer approached random pedestrians walking down a street, minding their own business. He then posed unrelated questions about Trump’s inauguration ceremony and Dr. King. Their uncanny responses sparked hilarious reactions on social media, with many expressing concern over people forgetting their own history and legacy.

The series of interviews began with a woman named Michelle taking potshots at the late reformist for missing Trump’s inauguration.

 “A lot of people are upset that Martin Luther King wasn’t there. Were you also surprised to see that he wasn’t at the inauguration?” the interviewer asked, posing a completely fabricated question. What followed was a revealing response from the interviewee. “Yeah, I was. You talked about Martin Luther King Jr. not being there because today is his (Trump’s) day. [Do] You see what I’m saying? There was like a day set aside for him, so he had things to do,” she replied, leaving the online community in stitches.  Thereafter, the interviewer approached a man wearing a “Make America Great Again (MAGA)” hat. After exchanging greetings, the same burning question about Dr. King’s absence came his way.

“I was disappointed because he should show respect for the office of the presidency,” replied the Trump supporter.

At this point, the interviewer steered the conversation in a different direction by bringing up Rosa Parks, the first lady of civil rights, who passed away in 2005. “What about Rosa Parks?” he asked in a follow-up question. “Were you surprised that she showed up and sat right in the front row?”

“No, I wasn't surprised. You don't need to be in the back. Get in the front because that's what they say. Go girl! I'll be sitting there right beside you,” the clueless woman responded.

The same vox pop session continued with another man, where the interviewer asked him about the possibility of Dr. King being banned from entering Trump’s Florida mansion, Mar-a-Lago, for missing the inauguration ceremony. He replied, “I don't think so. Donald Trump's not like that. He's not going to do that just because somebody didn't show up to his inauguration.” At this point, the interviewer chimed in, jokingly spilling some made-up facts. “Most people don’t know this, but the ‘Mar’ in Mar-a-Lago is short for Martin Luther King,” he said.

The video from the talk show’s "Lie Witness News" segment drew widespread attention, garnering nearly 26 million views. Among the countless reactions to it, @thehdragons shared, “I just told my husband the premise of this video, and my 7-year-old said, 'That’s because he’s dead.' And I replied, 'YES! And they should know that!'”

“One time, during a historical figures quiz, I mixed up Martin Luther King and Samuel L. Jackson and wrote a description about his role as Mace Windu in ‘Star Wars,’” @meemeraldbeast recalled. “This makes me very sad,” @geaux.em wrote.

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