‘I run the country and the world,’ says Trump ahead of marking first 100 days
U.S. President Donald Trump raises a fist as he steps off Air Force One upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S. on April 27, 2025. (AFP Photo)
United States President Donald Trump struck a defiant tone in remarks published Monday as he prepares to mark the first 100 days of his presidency.
Trump is set to hit the milestone Wednesday after more than three months in office, during which he has heavily relied on executive orders and the controversial Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency team to overhaul the federal government and expand presidential powers.
“The first time, I had two things to do – run the country and survive; I had all these crooked guys,” he told The Atlantic magazine in an interview, referring to his first term in office. “And the second time, I run the country and the world.”
Donald Trump’s comeback has convinced him that he’s invincible, @AshleyRParker and @michaelscherer report. But now the cracks are beginning to show.
Read more in our new cover story: https://t.co/hZ1nb2NeuL pic.twitter.com/50wyRTEzFi
— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) April 28, 2025
‘I’m having a lot of fun’
Asked whether he is having more fun during his second term, Trump said he is.
“I’m having a lot of fun, considering what I do,” he said. “You know, what I do is such serious stuff.”
Trump denied asking the Justice Department about legal methods for running for a third term in 2028, despite constitutional prohibitions on seeking more than two terms in office. However, he left the door open to pursuing another White House run.
“That would be a big shattering, wouldn’t it?” he asked rhetorically, laughing. “Well, maybe I’m just trying to shatter.”
He said his supporters urge him to run again, but added, “It’s not something that I’m looking to do. And I think it would be a very hard thing to do.” The Trump Organization is already selling Trump 2028 hats for $50, referring to the next presidential election year.
Asked about ongoing tumult at the Pentagon, where Pete Hegseth has found himself embroiled in controversy, Trump expressed support for his defense secretary.
“I think he’s gonna get it together,” Trump said, referring to Hegseth. “I had a talk with him, a positive talk, but I had a talk with him.”
