Trump Declares He Now Leads “The Country and the World” in Atlantic Interview

President Donald Trump, in a newly published interview with The Atlantic on April 28, 2025, offered a sweeping characterization of his return to power, claiming that he now not only leads the United States but also “the world.” Reflecting on the differences between his first and second terms, Trump stated, “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’s remarks come as he approaches the 100th day of his second term in office, a milestone traditionally used to evaluate a president’s early accomplishments and set the tone for their administration. Trump’s second term has been marked by an aggressive expansion of executive action, particularly in areas of immigration enforcement and trade policy. These moves have prompted significant controversy both domestically and abroad.

On the international front, Trump has sparked diplomatic tensions with America’s longtime allies. His administration’s rhetoric about acquiring Greenland and proposing Canadian statehood has raised eyebrows among European and Canadian officials alike, introducing new friction points into historic alliances. Meanwhile, Trump has made efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, though success remains elusive and the initiative has drawn skepticism from NATO allies wary of Trump’s unorthodox diplomatic style.

In terms of economic policy, Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on a wide range of international partners has generated substantial backlash. Although he temporarily paused country-specific tariffs until July, global markets have already reacted with volatility, and concerns about a potential trade war have mounted. Economists warn that prolonged uncertainty could lead to lasting disruptions in supply chains and global trade flows, further destabilizing the fragile post-pandemic recovery.

Despite these global frictions, Trump’s domestic base remains largely supportive of his aggressive leadership style. Immigration enforcement, in particular, continues to serve as a core strength for the administration. Homeland Security officials report intensified deportation efforts and stricter visa enforcement policies, moves that have pleased segments of Trump’s political base but drawn strong criticism from civil rights groups and international watchdogs.

During the Atlantic interview, Trump also addressed the possibility of a third presidential run in 2028 — an idea constitutionally barred by the 22nd Amendment but floated by Trump as a rhetorical flourish. “It’s not something that I’m looking to do. And I think it would be a very hard thing to do,” he said, adding ambiguity to a subject that has previously been dismissed by GOP lawmakers as little more than political theater.

The administration has timed this media push to coincide with Trump’s upcoming rally in Macomb County, Michigan, where he plans to commemorate his first 100 days back in office. According to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the rally will “celebrate the FIRST 100 DAYS” and signal that Trump’s second term is proceeding according to his broader, more ambitious vision.

Political analysts suggest that Trump’s self-framing as a “world leader” is designed to cement his legacy beyond the traditional confines of presidential governance. By positioning himself not merely as a national figure but as a global one, Trump is setting the stage for an expanded narrative that could outlast even his own time in office.

Critics, however, warn that such grandiose assertions — coupled with aggressive policy maneuvers — risk further isolating the United States on the world stage. They argue that while Trump’s approach may solidify his domestic support, it could erode international trust and weaken multilateral partnerships that have underpinned American influence for decades.

As Trump moves into the next phase of his presidency, it remains to be seen whether his vision of running both the country and the world will materialize — or whether it will ultimately face the limits imposed by constitutional, diplomatic, and economic realities.