Nigerian photographer Toni Payne has sparked a heated online debate after suggesting the impeachment of recently inaugurated US President Donald Trump while lamenting the rising cost of food and other concerns in the United States. The outspoken creative professional took to Instagram to voice her frustrations about the economic challenges she’s experiencing since Trump returned to office in January.
In a candid Instagram story that quickly circulated across social media platforms, Payne questioned whether it was premature to pursue impeachment proceedings against the president, citing multiple grievances that have emerged during his brief time in office. “Is it too early to impeach Trump? I’m tired of the everyday wahala. Always some chaos everyday. Kilo shele gan gan? Haba! Fight fight fight shaa. Vindictive vindictive vindictive shaaa….” she wrote, incorporating Nigerian pidgin expressions to convey her exasperation.
Payne, who has built a career as a photographer in the United States, highlighted how the economic impact of Trump’s policies has affected her daily life, specifically mentioning that “food is more expensive since he got there.” This observation aligns with concerns voiced by many Americans who have noticed rising grocery prices in recent months, though economic experts continue to debate the direct correlation between these increases and specific presidential policies.
Beyond personal economic concerns, Payne expressed worry about the broader climate of tension she perceives, stating that “people are on edge.” She further elaborated on how political uncertainty has affected her professional life, explaining that her industry is “affected because uncertainty of his next move.
The photographer also raised significant concerns about immigration policies and their potential impact on tourism, referencing recent controversial incidents at US borders. “No one knows what Tourism will be this summer since they keep detaining visitors and even tortured one. What a Mess!” she stated, likely referring to widely reported cases of enhanced scrutiny and detention of foreign visitors that have made international headlines in recent weeks.
Concluding her post with a pointed personal critique, Payne remarked, “You would think an old ass man in his final years would like peace,” suggesting that Trump’s confrontational governance style contradicts what she might expect from someone of his age and experience.
The post quickly generated reactions from followers with diverse political viewpoints, many challenging Payne’s position with counterarguments about global economic trends and comparative political situations. One commenter, identified as Ysabel_Avril, responded with the pointed question, “You don impeach your own president finish?” suggesting that Payne should focus on political challenges in Nigeria before criticizing the American leadership.
Another follower, Lateef Raji5688, offered a more balanced perspective on economic difficulties, noting that “It’s everywhere inflation dey,” implying that rising prices are a global phenomenon rather than something unique to Trump’s America. This view was echoed by another user who wrote, “Tell them o. And some mumu Nigerians go think say na only Naija market inflation dey affect. Eyin apoda radarada yi,” suggesting that economic challenges are universal and not limited to any single country.
Some responses specifically addressed the political tone of Payne’s comments, with one user named Ksolo_hitz challenging her with the question, “You never impeach una nightmare of a president na heaven on earth own you wan impeach?” This comment reflects a sentiment shared by some Nigerian observers who suggest focusing on domestic governance issues before critiquing foreign administrations.
Other commenters seemed to agree with Payne’s characterization of Trump’s leadership style, with one named Ravishing Nenny writing, “Trump is vindictive he no send anybody,” using colloquial Nigerian English to suggest that the president acts without regard for public opinion. Meanwhile, another user labeled her concerns as “Misplaced priorities, not funny at all,” suggesting disagreement with either the substance or tone of her complaints.
Payne’s comments come at a time when many internationals living in the United States have expressed anxiety about the potential impact of stricter immigration policies and economic shifts under Trump’s second administration. As a Nigerian creative professional working in America, her perspective offers insight into how political changes affect immigrant communities and creative industries that rely on international exchange and tourism.
The photographer’s outspoken criticism also highlights the increasingly global nature of political discourse, where individuals with international backgrounds feel empowered to comment on and critique political developments in their adopted countries. Social media platforms have created spaces where such perspectives can be shared widely, though often with mixed reception as demonstrated by the varied responses to Payne’s post.
While food prices have indeed risen across many parts of the United States in recent months, economists point to complex factors including supply chain issues, labor market dynamics, and lingering effects of pandemic-era economic policies. The degree to which current presidential policies have directly impacted these trends remains a subject of ongoing debate among economic analysts and political commentators.
As the discussion sparked by Payne’s comments continues to unfold across social media, it reflects broader conversations happening throughout American society about economic pressures, political leadership, and the impact of governmental policies on everyday life. For international residents like Payne, these concerns take on additional dimensions related to immigration status, cultural identity, and professional stability in an increasingly uncertain political climate.
Whether or not Payne’s impeachment suggestion gains traction beyond social media commentary, her willingness to publicly voice such sentiments illustrates how political discourse has evolved in the digital age, where individuals feel empowered to challenge leadership directly regardless of citizenship status or traditional political standing.
