Fact Check: Did The Simpsons Really Predict Trump’s Three Presidential Runs? Viral ‘Trumptastic Voyage’ Clip Explained

The internet is once again buzzing with claims that The Simpsons predicted major events, and this time, it’s related to former President Donald Trump’s multiple presidential campaigns. A short clip titled Trumptastic Voyage is going viral, with some supporters of Trump suggesting that the show foresaw all three of his presidential runs. But is this claim true, or is it another case of a viral internet myth being taken out of context?

The Origin of ‘Trumptastic Voyage’

Released in 2015, the Trumptastic Voyage short came out shortly after Donald Trump announced his bid for the 2016 presidential election. Directed by David Silverman, a veteran contributor to the iconic show, the short quickly became a fan favorite for its satirical take on Trump’s candidacy. The clip humorously depicts Homer Simpson journeying through Trump’s hair in a surreal, comedic fashion, showcasing the show’s signature blend of absurdity and social commentary.

🔥🚨BREAKING NEWS: I am resurfacing that The Simpsons predicted all 3 of Donald Trump presidencies in their 2015 episode Trumptastic Voyage. I hope everyone has been enjoy this show. The world stage is coming to an end. pic.twitter.com/hkV0DNy5n1

— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) November 8, 2024

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The Viral Claim

In recent weeks, as Trump announced his intention to run in the 2024 presidential race, a segment of his supporters began circulating edited versions of the Trumptastic Voyage clip. These edits suggest that The Simpsons had accurately predicted Trump’s three presidential campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2024. One viral social media post even stated, “The Simpsons predicted all three of Donald Trump’s presidencies in their 2015 episode. The world stage is coming to an end.”

However, a closer look at the original short reveals that it portrays Trump running for not three, but four separate presidential terms: 2016, 2020, 2024, and 2028. The episode’s humorous exaggeration of Trump running for four terms is a clear nod to the show’s satirical style, which often exaggerates real-life scenarios for comedic effect. Given that the U.S. Constitution limits a president to two terms, the idea of a Trump candidacy in 2028 is more of a fictional joke than a prophetic statement.

Unaltered screen grabs from @TheSimpsons Trumptastic Voyage (2015). The good news… no 2032. pic.twitter.com/N3oOwYlmw3

— Al Jean (@AlJean) March 7, 2024

A Classic Case of Misinformation

While The Simpsons has indeed become famous for eerily predicting real-world events—such as the election of Donald Trump back in 2000—this particular claim doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. The resurfaced clip is being manipulated and shared without context, fueling conspiracy theories among some of Trump’s supporters. The show’s creators likely intended the episode to be a humorous exaggeration rather than a serious prediction of future political events.

The Legacy of The Simpsons’ Predictions

Since its debut in 1989, The Simpsons has carved out a niche as a cultural phenomenon, known for its witty satire and social commentary on contemporary figures. Over the years, the show has gained a reputation for its seemingly accurate predictions, from technological advancements like smartwatches to unexpected moments in politics and entertainment. However, it’s important to remember that many of these so-called predictions are often exaggerated or taken out of context, as seen in the case of the Trumptastic Voyage clip.

In conclusion, while the idea that The Simpsons predicted Trump’s presidential campaigns makes for an entertaining internet theory, the reality is far less dramatic. The viral clip is a prime example of how misinformation can spread quickly, especially when it plays into existing narratives and biases. So, before buying into the hype, it’s always worth taking a closer look at the facts behind the claims.

• Also read: What’s the ‘Blue Grinch Knee Surgery’ Meme? The Origins and Meaning Behind the Viral Trend

Shivam Kumar

Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....