A Bold New Claim
Donald Trump has stirred controversy once again. Speaking on August 25, he told reporters that European leaders now jokingly call him the “President of Europe.” He described the nickname as an honor, adding, “I like Europe and I like those people.”
Meetings on Peace Talks
Trump’s remark came after a series of high-profile meetings. On August 15, he sat down with Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. While no agreement was reached, Trump insisted, “We have a very good chance of getting there.”
Three days later, on August 18, Trump hosted European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Leaders from Germany, Italy, the UK, France, Finland, and the European Commission joined the talks. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also attended.
The discussions focused heavily on pushing Russia toward a ceasefire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed the importance of pressuring Moscow, warning that credibility hinged on visible progress.
Social Media Reacts
Despite Trump’s confidence, his claim about a new European title sparked ridicule online. Many users dismissed it outright. One X user wrote: “As someone in Europe, I can confirm we don’t call him that. At all. Ever.” Another added: “Europe here—HELL NO we don’t!”
Others suggested the nickname might have been sarcastic. “Yeah, because nothing says ‘respect’ like a joke title from leaders who can’t stand you,” one person quipped.
Polls Paint a Different Picture
Public opinion in Europe appears far less flattering. A recent poll across eight EU countries and Denmark found that 51 percent of respondents consider Trump the “enemy of Europe.”
Title or Joke?
Whether Trump was serious or repeating a joke remains unclear. Until European leaders themselves confirm the claim, the title “President of Europe” may remain more fiction than fact.