President Donald Trump was photographed holding a signed “Make Iran Great Again” hat as mass demonstrations continued across Iran in response to the regime’s political and economic corruption.
Trump was pictured with the hat alongside Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
The image appears to have been captured on board Air Force One.
As Slay News reported earlier, Graham was also alongside Trump while the president spoke with reporters about the capture of Venezuela’s socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro.
In a photo posted Monday morning to Graham’s X account, the South Carolina senator is seen giving a thumbs-up while Trump holds the black hat bearing his signature.
Graham praised the president’s leadership, writing:
“Another great day with @POTUS who has brought America back, stronger than ever, at home and abroad.
“God bless our Commander in Chief and all of the brave men and women who serve under him.”
He continued:
“I’m proud to be an American.
“God bless and protect the brave people of Iran who are standing up to tyranny.”
Another great day with @POTUS who has brought America back, stronger than ever, at home and abroad. God bless our Commander in Chief and all of the brave men and women who serve under him.
I’m proud to be an American.
God bless and protect the brave people of Iran who are… pic.twitter.com/V7Y6XsO680
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 5, 2026
The image circulated as protests have now spread to more than 220 locations across 26 of Iran’s 31 provinces, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
The group reported early Monday that at least 20 people have been killed and more than 990 arrested as demonstrations escalate.
What began as public outrage over economic hardship has rapidly transformed into broader anti-government dissent, with protesters chanting slogans against the regime.
Iran’s collapsing currency has deepened the crisis, fueling soaring prices for food staples such as meat and rice and pushing inflation to roughly 40 percent.
In December, the regime introduced a new gasoline pricing tier on its heavily subsidized fuel supply, raising costs and igniting further anger.
Officials have indicated that price reviews will now occur every three months, signaling that more increases may follow.
Despite mounting unrest, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei doubled down over the weekend, declaring that “rioters must be put in their place.”
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Khamenei is preparing to flee to Moscow if unrest in the country intensifies.
According to the UK’s The Times newspaper, an intelligence report reveals Khamenei’s backup plan if the regime is unable to regain control of the streets.
The Times reports, “Khamenei, 86, plans to escape Tehran with a close circle of up to 20 aides and family, should he see that the army and security called on to quell the unrest are deserting, defecting or failing to follow orders.”
“The ‘plan B’ is for Khamenei and his very close circle of associates and family, including his son and nominated heir apparent, Mojtaba,” an intelligence source told The Times.
Khamenei’s “getaway plan” is based on the flight of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, who fled Damascus to join his family in Moscow before opposition forces took the capital in December 2024.
“They have plotted an exit route out of Tehran should they feel the need to escape,” which includes “gathering assets, properties abroad and cash to facilitate their safe passage,” the intelligence source said.
The Times continues, “Khamenei is known to hold a major network of assets, some under one of the most powerful organisations in Iran, Setad—part of a system of semi-state charitable foundations known for their financial obfuscation.
“Estimates put the total holdings at $95 billion, according to a Reuters investigation in 2013, including properties and companies, all held and controlled by Khamenei.
“Many of his closest aides, including the secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, Ali Larijani—who warned President Trump to stay out of Tehran’s affairs—have family members already living abroad, including in the US, Canada and Dubai.”
Khamenei’s remarks about “rioters” came one day after Trump delivered an unprecedented message of solidarity with Iranian demonstrators.
The president is backing citizens demanding accountability from their government as the crisis widens.
READ MORE – Trump: Ukraine Did NOT Attack Putin’s Home, Despite Russia’s Claims
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.