In a bold statement that underscores his self-assurance, U.S. President Donald Trump declared in a recent interview with The Atlantic that in his second term, he “runs both the country and the world.” This comment, a declaration of his self-perceived global power, is a stark contrast to his first term, which Trump described as a time of survival, filled with challenges from what he referred to as “crooked guys” in his administration.
Trump’s remarks came as he reflected on the differences between his first and second terms, asserting that while the first term was focused on running the country and surviving the political battles within Washington, his second term allows him to take charge on a much larger scale. “The first time, I had two things to do — run the country and survive; I had all these crooked guys. And the second time, I run the country and the world,” Trump proudly declared during the interview with The Atlantic‘s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg.
The President also expressed that he was enjoying his second term more than ever, acknowledging that the work he does, especially on a global scale, is “serious” but rewarding. “I’m having a lot of fun, considering what I do. You know, what I do is such serious stuff,” Trump said. His comments emphasize his self-perception of being in control of not only the nation but also asserting influence over international affairs. The declaration of his expanded reach globally further complements his agenda of pursuing more aggressive foreign and domestic policies.
The interview was conducted shortly after the magazine’s exposé of “Signalgate” — a controversy that involved U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other top officials in a Signal group chat about war plans. The story gained national attention, particularly after Goldberg inadvertently got access to the chat and published its contents. Despite the controversy surrounding the leak, Trump’s interview touched on the theme of his expanding control, with the President reiterating his dominance in both domestic and foreign policy.
Trump’s return to the White House for his second term has been marked by his administration’s assertive stance on several fronts. He has issued over 140 executive orders in his first 100 days, addressing everything from political opponents to policy reforms. Yet, despite his actions and ambitions, Trump’s approval ratings have fallen sharply, currently sitting at 39%. This decline in support is largely due to concerns over economic conditions, particularly the rising effects of tariffs, as well as growing domestic issues.
In addition to his focus on domestic policy, Trump also touched on the possibility of a third term in office. Although he previously hinted at running again, he expressed doubts about pursuing a third White House bid. “It’s not something I’m considering, and I think it would be very difficult to do,” Trump said, dismissing the idea.
The first 100 days of Trump’s second term have been heavily focused on immigration and border security, with the administration taking a hardline stance. Yard signs featuring mugshots of immigrants accused of serious crimes were placed on the White House lawn as part of the celebration, underscoring Trump’s position on immigration. Trump’s top border adviser, Tom Homan, boasted about “unprecedented success” in border efforts and vowed to continue these initiatives at full speed.
As the President nears the 100-day mark in office, he will visit Michigan to hold a rally in Macomb County, a key area for the automotive industry. Trump will also deliver a commencement speech at the University of Alabama, further solidifying his strong political presence. His administration is positioning itself for significant policy changes, particularly with regard to immigration, and his approval ratings remain under pressure as the economic impacts of his decisions unfold. The next phase of his presidency promises to be as combative and consequential as the first, with Trump continuing to assert his dominance over domestic and international affairs.
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