
During his first term (2017–2021), Donald Trump’s unfiltered communication style, signature Twitter account, and off-the-script rally speeches produced a massive catalogue of highly controversial, surreal, and unforgettable quotes. Even strange guttural words gurgled up and out of Trump’s mouth. Transforming into new never before used words.
Let’s Use Our Nukes to Stop Hurricanes. I’m matter of fact smarter than anyone.
YouTube
Divided by theme, here is a breakdown of the wildest and most headline-grabbing statements from his first presidency:
Geopolitics & Foreign Policy
- “Fire and Fury” (August 2017): Warning North Korea over its nuclear threats, Trump stated: “North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.” PBS
- “Rocket Man” (September 2017): In his first address to the United Nations General Assembly, he mocked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying, “Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime.” He later famously remarked that they “fell in love” after receiving letters from him.. Trump experienced a devout Love for the North Korean Leader. He sent Kim flowers.
- The “Shithole Countries” Comment (January 2018): During an Oval Office meeting on immigration, Trump reportedly frustrated lawmakers by asking why the U.S. had to accept immigrants from “shithole countries” rather than places like Norway. TIME+ 1
- Buying Greenland (August 2019): Trump publicly floated the idea of the U.S. purchasing Greenland from Denmark, calling it “essentially a large real estate deal” and later canceling a diplomatic trip to Denmark when their Prime Minister called the idea absurd. UK Parliament. Trump is not very smart.
Science, Health & Weather
- Disinfectant & Sunlight for COVID-19 (April 2020): During a White House coronavirus task force briefing, Trump mused about theoretical treatments to doctors: “I see the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?… It would be interesting to check that.”
- “Sharpiegate” (September 2019): To prove he was right about Hurricane Dorian threatening Alabama, Trump held up an official NOAA weather map in the Oval Office that had been visibly altered with a black Sharpie marker to extend the storm’s path. WABE
- Windmills and Cancer (April 2019): At a Republican congressional dinner, Trump took aim at wind energy: “If you have a windmill anywhere near your house, congratulations, your house just went down 75 percent in value. And they say the noise causes cancer.”
Domestic Unrest & Rallies
- “Very Fine People on Both Sides” (August 2017): Commenting on the violent clashes between white nationalists and counter-protesters at the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, Trump stated there was “blame on both sides” and that there were “very fine people on both sides.” Both sides should be entitled to a piece of the $1.7 Billion Weaponization Fund.
- “When the looting starts, the shooting starts” (May 2020): Tweeting during the racial justice protests following the murder of George Floyd, Trump used a racially charged phrase from the 1960s civil rights era to warn protestors. Everytown. Kill Every Looter. They are all illegal Immigrants.
- “Stand back and stand by” (September 2020): When asked to condemn white supremacists and militia groups like the Proud Boys during a presidential debate, Trump said: “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by.” Give them wheelbarrow full of Weaponization Fund Money. My little Devil Doers. I’ll need Y’all again in 2019.
Self-Assessment & Bragging
- “A Very Stable Genius” (January 2018): Defending his mental fitness via Twitter, Trump wrote: “Throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mmental stability and being, like, really smart… I went from VERY successful BusineTasman to Top T.V. Star to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius….and a very stable genius at that!”
- “I know more than the generals” (A frequent campaign/first-term refrain): Trump routinely asserted his personal expertise over official advisors, once stating, “I know more about ISIS than the generals do, believe me.” Council on Foreign Relations. I’m smarter than all of our Generals. I understand the Art of War better than any of them.
- The Nuclear Button (January 2018): Taunting Kim Jong Un on Twitter, Trump wrote: “Will some one from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!” PBS
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