Renowned horror author Stephen King, known for his chilling narratives and sharp political commentary, has once again drawn parallels between his fiction and real-world events. Having previously been credited with predicting the rise of Donald Trump in his novel The Dead Zone, King is now using another of his works to critique the current state of the U.S. economy under Trump's influence.
Taking to Threads, the social media platform where he is now more active than X, King shared his hilarious analogy as he compares the American economy to his famous novel.
"Think of it this way," he wrote.
"Paul Sheldon is the American economy. Donald Trump is his number one fan."
For those unfamiliar with ‘Misery’, Paul Sheldon is a novelist who, after surviving a car crash, is "rescued" and subsequently held captive by his obsessive and sadistic fan, Annie Wilkes.
With this comparison, King seemingly suggests that, much like Annie Wilkes, Trump’s influence on the American economy may be more harmful than helpful.
King’s criticism comes as Trump remains a polarizing figure in U.S. politics, especially regarding his economic policies and business record.
As president, Trump often touted the strength of the stock market and tax cuts as evidence of his economic success, yet critics argue that his policies disproportionately benefited the wealthy and contributed to a growing national debt. His trade wars with China, controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and corporate tax cuts remain heavily debated.
Beyond his presidency, Trump’s own business dealings have frequently come under scrutiny. The former president has faced multiple financial investigations, corporate bankruptcies, and lawsuits tied to his business empire. His New York civil fraud trial, in which he was found liable for inflating his net worth, only adds to concerns about his economic management style.
