A Lego figure resembling former US President Donald Trump was set ablaze in Tehran on July 10, 2026, during the funeral procession for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was laid to rest earlier in Mashhad. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, occurred as mourners gathered to pay their respects to the late leader.
Effigy Burned Amid Mourning
The video shows a small crowd of demonstrators surrounding the Lego effigy, which was dressed in a suit and bore Trump's signature hairstyle. The figure was doused with an accelerant and set alight, with onlookers chanting anti-American slogans. According to witnesses, the act was intended to express anger over US policies toward Iran, particularly during Trump's presidency.
The funeral of Khamenei, who died at the age of 87, drew millions of mourners across Iran. The main ceremony took place in Mashhad, where Khamenei was buried near the shrine of Imam Reza. The incident in Tehran occurred at a separate memorial gathering, where some attendees used the occasion to voice political grievances.
Symbolism and Reactions
The burning of the Lego Trump effigy is the latest in a series of symbolic protests against the former US leader, who was a frequent target of Iranian ire during his time in office. Trump's administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and imposed crippling sanctions on Iran, leading to heightened tensions. "This act reflects the deep resentment many Iranians feel toward US interference," said Dr. Reza Akbari, a political analyst at the University of Tehran, in an interview.
Social media reactions were mixed, with some users condemning the desecration of a funeral while others defended it as a form of political expression. The Iranian government has not officially commented on the incident.
Context of Khamenei's Funeral
Ayatollah Khamenei's death on July 8, 2026, marked the end of a 37-year rule as Iran's Supreme Leader. His funeral in Mashhad was attended by top officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi and military leaders. The event was largely peaceful, but the Lego Trump burning highlighted ongoing anti-US sentiment within segments of the population.
The use of Lego, a popular children's toy, added a surreal element to the protest. Lego Group, the Danish company, has not issued a statement regarding the use of its product in the incident.
