4.5.3. "LET THEM EAT CAKE"...

WAS SAID BY ONE OF LOUIS XVI'S BIGOTED AUNTS, BUT PALAIS-ROYAL REVOLUTIONARIES USED IT TO ATTACK THE QUEEN 

The phrase and remembrance of the queen's extravagance have entered American culture.

• "What is this, Versailles?" my father would say when we left too many lights turned on.

• Movie, documentary, musical:

• Marie-Antoinette by Sophie Coppola, 2006

 Zoom

 

• The true story of aoman whose need to consume is endless and who calls her mansion "Versailles," 2012

 Television documentary 

• Broadway musical, 2025

                                                                                                                                                                    Trailer 

• "Barack Antoinette," a columnist* called Obama to castigate a fête.

*Maureen Dowd commenting his 60th birthday celebration in The New York Times (in 2021).

 

# # #

• Comparing Trump and Marie Antoinette came about early in his second presidency, when he built a giant ballroom and and held an over-the-top festivity while cancelling programs that help the poor:

Poster by the press of the governor of California / zoom  (please scroll down)

"Trump 'Marie-Antoinette' says, 'No health care for you peasants, but a ballroom for the queen!'

•  "Versailles at discount" is said of his gold decor.

           -- The Meidas Touch podcast

 # # #

• At a "No Kings" protest by Americans in Paris: 

"No Kings" demonstration in Paris, Oct 25, 2025

"At least Marie-Antoinette had Style!"

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Next,

4.5.4.

A bubblehead rises to the occasion