President Trump co-opts inspirational 'Independence Day' speech; Bill Pullman vetoes effort

Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY
Updated ·2 min read

President Donald Trump tried a new way to inspire a country struggling with coronavirus – by borrowing the soaring oratory of a fictional presidential speech from 1996's blockbuster "Independence Day."

He messed with the wrong fake president.

Trump tweeted a digitally altered video of the famous film speech on Saturday. The new speech featured his head superimposed over former fighter pilot and Gulf War veteran President Thomas J. Whitmore, played by Bill Pullman.

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In the video, which has been viewed more than 15 million times, it appears Trump is speaking the inspiring words about the coronavirus battle, rather than Whitmore rallying his ragtag collection of fighter pilots with the speech before they go into battle against deadly alien invaders.

“We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist,” Trump's head says with Whitmore's voice as the music swells. “We’re going to live on. We’re going to survive. Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!”

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Even the faces of the crowd watching have been superimposed with the president's supporters. Fox News' Sean Hannity shakes his head proudly, Sen. Ted Cruz is moved to tears, Vice President Mike Pence looks on admiringly, Donald Trump Jr. leads the cheers as the president finishes.

Pullman was not amused, sending a statement to Deadline, stating, "My voice belongs to no one but me, and I’m not running for president—this year."

Vivica Fox, who played Jasmine Dubrow-Hiller in "Independence Day" tweeted her misgivings about the video in all caps.

"PRETENDING U KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING?? CANT BELIEVE U WOULD INSULT OUR CLASSIC FILM THIS WAY!" she wrote. "U NEVER HAD THE LEADERSHIP OR COURAGE TO DO THIS ROLE! NEVER!"

"Independence Day" was produced by 20th Century Fox movie studio, now part of Walt Disney Studio. USA TODAY has reached out for comment.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Trump uses 'Independence Day' speech; Bill Pullman protests