Viral “This Is What They Took From Us” Meme Explodes: The Jordan McDonald Story Behind the Right-Wing Honkers Trend

A single Instagram story screenshot ignited a wildfire across Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit this week, transforming 23-year-old influencer Jordan McDonald (@jord627_) into the unwitting face of a viral phenomenon mocking conservative internet tropes. The “This Is What They Took From Us” meme—featuring McDonald leaning forward with a knowing gesture toward her chest—has become a cultural shorthand satirizing nostalgic right-wing “honkers” nostalgia.

The Explosive Origin of the “This Is What They Took From Us” Meme

On July 23, 2025, Twitter user @MakimaRespecter posted McDonald’s 2023 Instagram story photo with the caption: “This is what they took from us.” The tweet immediately resonated, amassing over 45K likes and 12K retweets within 24 hours. The format spread like digital wildfire. Users began pairing provocative photos of women—often athletes or influencers—with faux-lamenting captions mocking conservative grievances about “lost femininity” or “traditional values.” By July 25, #ThisIsWhatTheyTookFromUs had trended globally, with McDonald’s original image repurposed in over 15K tweets. Internet scholars like Dr. Whitney Phillips of Syracuse University note such memes expose how political narratives weaponize nostalgia (Pew Research, 2024).

Who Is Jordan McDonald? From Basketball Courts to Meme Fame

Born June 27, 2002, McDonald’s path to virality began long before the meme. A standout high school basketball player, she attended three schools between 2015-2019: Scottsdale Christian Academy, State College Area High, and Ogden International. Her athleticism and 5’8” frame transitioned seamlessly to social media fame during the pandemic. Starting TikTok in 2020, McDonald’s fit pics and confident persona attracted nearly 1 million followers. Though she’s since gone private, her cult following thrives on Reddit’s r/Jord627_, where fans archive her mirror selfies and workout videos.

• Key Stats:
  • 282K Instagram followers (@jord627_)
  • 958K TikTok followers
  • 23.7M views on her top TikTok videos
  • 5,400+ members in her dedicated subreddit

Why This Meme Resonates: Satire in the Post-ironic Age

The meme’s potency lies in its dual critique. First, it lampoons the right-wing tendency to romanticize hypersexualized female aesthetics while decrying modern feminism. Second, it highlights how influencers like McDonald become involuntary symbols in culture wars. As digital anthropologist Dr. Ryan Milner notes, “Memes crystallize societal tensions into shareable irony—this one perfectly skewers manufactured outrage.” McDonald herself hasn’t commented publicly, but insiders suggest she’s weighing monetization opportunities amid the frenzy.

Must Know

What’s the origin of “This Is What They Took From Us”?
The phrase went viral on July 23, 2025, via a tweet by @MakimaRespecter featuring Jordan McDonald. It parodies conservative online rhetoric lamenting perceived cultural losses. The format pairs suggestive photos with hyperbolic captions for satire.

Why is Jordan McDonald central to this meme?
McDonald’s 2023 Instagram story—showing her gesturing toward her chest—was the first image used. Her history as a basketball player turned influencer made her an ideal symbol of the “girl next door” aesthetic often romanticized in such debates.

Is Jordan McDonald active on social media now?
No. Both her Instagram and TikTok accounts (@jord627_) are currently private. She stopped regular posting in late 2024 but retains massive followings.

How has the meme evolved?
Users now substitute McDonald’s image with other figures (e.g., athletes, celebrities) to mock diverse topics—from climate policies to fast-food menu changes—proving its adaptability as a satire template.

Will Jordan McDonald address the meme?
Sources close to McDonald say she’s aware of the trend but hasn’t decided on a response. Industry analysts suggest brand deals could emerge from her unexpected relevance.

The “This Is What They Took From Us” meme exemplifies how internet culture reduces complex ideologies to viral jokes—with Jordan McDonald’s frozen gesture now immortalized as a satire of political nostalgia. While McDonald’s future plans remain private, her accidental role in this digital moment underscores a truth: in the meme economy, anyone can become a symbol overnight. Share your take on the trend using #HonkersSatire.