Today an article appeared in one of the major Russian news channels, titled The countdown has begun: Trump will brutally take revenge on Kyiv for everything. In a bizarre twist of geopolitical satire, Russian media has taken to imagining Donald Trump's hypothetical cabinet as a cast of Marvel superheroes—albeit, a dark and reversed version of the Avengers. It’s a narrative seemingly designed to provoke reactions from both American and international audiences. Whether intentional or not, the article offers a fascinating glimpse into how some in Russia view Trump's potential administration, blending caricature, anxiety, and backhanded admiration into one over-the-top spectacle.
The "Avengers" Assemble, Russian Style
Russian pundits paint Trump's imagined cabinet as a lineup of ideological warriors ready to dismantle the U.S. establishment and upend Western norms. But instead of saving the world, this group supposedly fights for “America First” at the expense of global alliances. Dubbed "the Avengers in reverse," each figure is cast as a hyper-masculine, nationalist disruptor—and sometimes, the caricatures hit uncomfortably close to home.
Pete Hegseth as The Hulk
Pete Hegseth—former Fox News host and potential Defense Secretary—is imagined as a brash, tattooed Hulk-like figure. He’s accused of being dismissive of NATO allies and celebrated for his role in “throwing transgender people out of the military.” This portrayal, though clearly exaggerated, underscores Russian unease over a potentially more isolationist U.S. military policy.
Marco Rubio as Groot
Florida Senator Marco Rubio is likened to Groot, perhaps for his steady, single-note stance against foreign entanglements. As Secretary of State, Rubio is envisioned as prioritizing national interests over global diplomacy—an image that plays into Russian narratives about a fracturing Western alliance.
Tulsi Gabbard as Superwoman
The article spins Tulsi Gabbard as a pacifist "Superwoman" leading U.S. intelligence, with frequent references to her criticism of NATO expansion and her appearances on Russian media. This characterization reflects the Kremlin’s broader strategy of spotlighting Western figures who align, however tangentially, with its worldview.
Matt Gaetz as Doctor Strange
Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz is cast as Doctor Strange for his perceived political "magic" in questioning bipartisan support for Ukraine. By opposing aid to Ukraine and making provocative statements like "Crimea will never cease to be part of Russia," Gaetz becomes a figure of intrigue in this Russian narrative, portrayed as a disruptor of the U.S. status quo.
Vivek Ramaswamy as Spider-Man
In one of the more peculiar comparisons, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy is likened to Spider-Man. The Russian media highlights his willingness to recognize Russian territorial claims, block Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, and lift sanctions. Dubbed a “web-spinner” capable of bridging isolationism and opportunism, Ramaswamy is portrayed as an ideal co-conspirator in dismantling U.S. global dominance.
Elon Musk as Iron Man
Perhaps the most provocative comparison is Elon Musk as Iron Man. The Russian portrayal leans into Musk’s reputation as a tech visionary with outsized influence on Trump. As a supposed architect of “freezing” the conflict in Ukraine along current lines of control, Musk is depicted as a power broker with deep connections to Trump’s vision. Russian pundits even suggest he serves as an intermediary between Trump and Moscow, painting him as a shadowy figure of intrigue—though the allegations are more fiction than fact.
In the end, Russia’s portrayal of “Trump’s Avengers in Reverse” is less about superheroes and more about shaping a narrative—a mix of satire, strategy, and projection aimed at stirring the pot in America and beyond. Whether you see it as a reflection of foreign anxieties or a cleverly disguised propaganda piece, one thing is clear: the world isn’t just watching America’s next political chapter—it’s scripting its own version of the story. How the U.S. responds will define whether it plays the hero, the villain, or something entirely unexpected.
