The intersection of pop culture and politics can often illuminate contemporary issues in surprising ways. In 2017, amid the tumult of Donald Trump’s first administration, U.S. Representative David Cicilline (D-R.I.) drew a striking parallel between the political climate and Netflix’s Stranger Things. By coining the term “Trump Things,” Cicilline framed his concerns about governance, democracy, and societal norms within the surreal yet relatable narrative of the show.
During a speech in Congress on February 16, 2017, Cicilline used the imagery of Stranger Things to capture the sense of disorientation many Americans felt under Trump. Holding a sign evocative of the series’ branding, he stated: “Like the main characters in Stranger Things, we are now stuck in the Upside Down.”
The “Upside Down” metaphor signaled an alternate reality where societal norms are inverted, confusion prevails, and danger lurks unseen. Cicilline emphasized the perceived moral and ethical disarray of the administration, asserting that “right is wrong, up is down, black is white,” while warning that the very fabric of American democracy was at risk.
This metaphor extended beyond domestic politics. Cicilline critiqued Trump’s praise of figures like Vladimir Putin while appearing to neglect traditional allies, highlighting concerns over national security, international relations, and the erosion of trust and accountability on the global stage. By framing these critiques through a popular TV show, Cicilline created an accessible yet potent commentary that resonated with a wide audience.
Cicilline also drew on the show’s emphasis on heroism. In Stranger Things, Chief Hopper and a group of friends confront the existential dangers of the Upside Down. The congressman reminded his audience that in real life, “this isn’t a TV show; this is real life.” Unlike the characters on-screen, there is no guaranteed savior for society—the responsibility lies with citizens themselves.
By invoking the courage, determination, and accountability demonstrated by Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Eleven, Cicilline urged Congress and the public to actively defend democratic norms and uphold ethical governance. His reference to contemporary pop culture connected with younger Americans, sparking conversations about civic engagement and personal responsibility during a period of political upheaval.
Cicilline’s analogy between Trump’s administration and the Upside Down highlights how fiction can provide a lens for understanding reality. The unsettling and disorienting world of Hawkins mirrors the challenges of governance, trust, and accountability in real life.
As Stranger Things 5 approaches its conclusion, the show’s narrative continues to resonate as a metaphor for resilience and civic action. Just as the characters fight to reclaim their reality from the Upside Down, citizens are reminded that protecting democracy requires vigilance, engagement, and courage. The allegory endures: even in the darkest of times, collective action and responsibility can restore balance and hope.
