BOSTON January 16, 2026 – A video clip shared by US Democratic Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley on X (formerly Twitter) has sparked widespread discussion, featuring the lawmaker delivering a passionate speech honoring civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while dismissing a “wannabe king” – widely interpreted as a reference to President Donald Trump.
In the post, viewed over 1,600 times shortly after upload on January 16, Pressley captioned the video: “Dr. King prepared us for this moment. I remain calm despite the coordinated, unrelenting attacks on Black people, on Black bodies, on Black votes, on Black power, and Black progress. Because our ancestors wrote the blueprint for our survival.”
The clip shows Pressley speaking from a podium in what appears to be a church or community gathering, surrounded by an enthusiastic audience and a choir. Dressed in black with large hoop earrings, the bald congresswoman – known for embracing her alopecia – declares emphatically:
“I don’t care about a wannabe king. I care about Dr. King. I care about the words and deeds of a profound 39-year-old Black young man. An unarmed champion of justice gunned down on a balcony who, while he lived, was an original architect of Black Lives Matter. Who wrote the blueprint for the Civil Rights Movement for justice, and for my survival.”
The audience responds with cheers, applause, and raised hands, highlighting the emotional resonance of her message ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20.
Pressley’s speech ties directly to ongoing political debates, with critics on X accusing her of conflating immigration enforcement policies with racial attacks on Black Americans. Supporters praised it as a timely reminder of Dr. King’s legacy amid perceived threats to civil rights progress.
The Massachusetts representative, who serves the state’s 7th District, has long been vocal on issues of racial justice, voting rights, and progressive causes. The viral clip underscores her style of blending historical reverence with contemporary political commentary.
Reactions on X were polarized, with some users calling it “manipulative” and others hailing it as inspirational. As of publication, the post continues to gain traction online.
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