President Donald Trump on Wednesday night bragged that America is respected around the world under his leadership.
But his critics weren’t buying it.
Trump made the claim during a rally kicking off the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.
“Tonight, as we stand at the edge of our 250th year of independence, I am thrilled to declare that America is back,” Trump said, then added:
“As you know very well, a short time ago we were a dead country. We were dead. Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world. We’re respected by everybody. Nobody’s laughing at us anymore. Two years ago, they were laughing. Now, we’re the most respected anywhere ― think of it ― anywhere in the world.”
Trump speaks at a rally kicking off the "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 2026.However, the video evidence tells another story. Footage from last year, for example, showed several European leaders laughing over how Trump kept confusing Albania for Armenia. Leaders were also caught on camera laughing at his expense more than once during his prior term in office. And last year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who is considering running for president himself in 2028, said he’s seen other world leaders laughing at Trump.
“I’ve had the privilege of meeting a lot of foreign leaders,” Newsom said at a Politico event. “They’re laughing behind his back.”
Critics were also laughing at the president on X:
Delusional insanity. All day every day. He lives in a fantasy world. https://t.co/bDYzxKbGPt
— Spiro’s Ghost (@AntiToxicPeople) June 25, 2026One of the biggest lies he has told. https://t.co/g1tnUUDDJf
— PatMacRN 🇺🇸 (@PatMacRN) June 25, 2026I have bad news for you, Mr. President. https://t.co/a4yY6DrcKu
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) June 25, 2026EVERYBODY IS LAUGHING AT YOU..... pic.twitter.com/zy4wKIVQ1k
— Fred Tee 🇺🇲 (@TencicFred) June 25, 2026Well, he's kind of right - we're not a "joke" because jokes are funny. We're a tragedy now. https://t.co/tQK0aBsbLu
— Casey Lewis 🪷 (@cynical_tutu) June 25, 2026He's the joke. Just ask the Iranians.😂 https://t.co/KGJTqHx0mU
— California Kid from Indiana. (@dhuse42) June 25, 2026When did SNL start coming on Wednesday nights?
— SANTINO (@SantinoCorleon) June 25, 2026We are not laughing?
You should be able to hear the echo from the rest of the world https://t.co/m6QfQGUP8R
Nope- they’re laughing their asses off. Talk to Italy! 🇮🇹 https://t.co/Il3s0jafcu
— Ellen Dumm (@TheEllenDumm) June 25, 2026Trump is reassuring himself.
Give him his binky and blanket. https://t.co/J9faQgQhKG
Delusional. https://t.co/Ev551wVEAT
— Luna 🐝 (@LunaIsFree_) June 25, 2026The joke who declares we are not a joke anymore. F this conman. https://t.co/HtQaoeMp6y
— James Tate (@JamesTate121) June 25, 2026

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