New ecstasy pills designed to resemble former U.S. President Donald Trump's head are reportedly circulating in the Netherlands, according to reports from August 2026. The pills, which have appeared in various colors, feature Trump's signature hairstyle and facial expression.
These substances were submitted to the Drugs Information and Monitoring System (DIMS) in the Netherlands for testing. The Trimbos Institute, which operates DIMS, identified a high concentration of para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) in the pills. PMMA shares a similar structure with MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, and can produce euphoric effects. However, PMMA has a delayed onset of action compared to MDMA. This delay can prompt users to ingest additional doses, believing the initial amount was ineffective, potentially leading to overdose, which can be fatal.
PMMA has been linked to numerous fatalities worldwide since its emergence in party pills in the 1970s. The United Kingdom experienced a surge in PMMA-related deaths between 2012 and 2013. In the UK, PMMA is classified as a Schedule 1, Class A drug, carrying severe penalties for possession and supply.
Authorities have previously investigated potential links between similar pills and drug-related deaths. In 2024, police were looking into whether a batch of potent ecstasy tablets, also shaped like Donald Trump's face, may have been involved in the deaths of three teenagers at a Glasgow nightclub in August 2023. The pills, described as turquoise and containing MDMA, were recovered by security staff at the SWG3 club. Two 18-year-old males, Scott Allison and Marcus Dick, died after attending an event at the venue. An 18-year-old woman also died in January 2024 following a New Year's Eve event at the same club, with drugs suspected as the cause in both instances. A report by Public Health Scotland that year included a red alert on drug trends from Police Scotland, identifying the turquoise 'Trump pills' as potential fatalities.