In a stunning and unscripted moment, President Donald Trump answers a cold call from Atlantic journalist Michael Scherer and, during the impromptu conversation, boldly proclaims, “I run the country and the world.” The exchange, which quickly garners widespread attention, offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into Trump’s view of his role on the global stage as he continues to consolidate power during his second term.
According to Scherer, who recounts the encounter during an interview with MSNBC’s Alex Witt, he placed a spontaneous call to a number associated with Trump’s personal contacts. To his surprise, Trump personally answered. Without aides, handlers, or press secretaries intervening, the president launched into a wide-ranging conversation reflecting his signature bravado and expansive view of his own authority.
During the call, Trump discusses his second-term agenda with characteristic confidence, touting what he claims are unprecedented achievements in economic growth, border security, and international diplomacy. When Scherer presses Trump on his leadership style, the president emphatically states, “I run the country and the world,” a comment that underscores his ongoing belief in the United States’—and by extension, his own—dominant role in global affairs.
Trump also uses the call to criticize political opponents, including Democrats whom he labels “weak and incompetent,” and reaffirms his commitment to reshaping U.S. alliances, imposing stricter immigration rules, and pursuing aggressive trade policies. He dismisses concerns about his leadership approach, saying, “Nobody’s ever seen leadership like this before.”
The call’s casual nature alarms political observers, as it raises renewed questions about Trump’s use of unsecured personal devices and his apparent willingness to engage in sensitive conversations without protocol. National security experts warn that even seemingly harmless discussions over unsecured lines could expose the president—and the nation—to espionage risks.
This is not the first time Trump’s communications practices have been under scrutiny. During his first term, he was repeatedly criticized for using personal cell phones and for his informal, sometimes impulsive communication style with world leaders and domestic officials. Despite previous warnings from intelligence agencies, Trump appears to maintain a preference for direct, unscripted interactions.
Reaction to Trump’s latest remarks is swift and polarized. Supporters praise his self-confidence and assertiveness, arguing that a strong, unapologetic leader is exactly what the U.S. needs amid global instability. Critics, however, decry what they describe as arrogance and dangerous hubris, warning that Trump’s perception of personal authority could further erode constitutional checks and balances both at home and abroad.
Political analysts note that Trump’s “I run the country and the world” comment is emblematic of a broader shift in his second term, where he appears even less constrained by traditional diplomatic norms or political caution. Since returning to office, Trump has expanded executive actions on immigration, tariffs, and military deployments, and has publicly clashed with international organizations like NATO and the United Nations.
Michael Scherer, reflecting on the unusual conversation, says he was struck by the sheer directness of Trump’s remarks. “There was no hesitation. He truly believes that he embodies not just the leadership of the United States, but the leadership of the global order,” Scherer tells Alex Witt.
As the news cycle absorbs this latest headline, Trump’s base remains energized, viewing his audacity as a rebuke of establishment politics. Meanwhile, his critics prepare for what they see as an ongoing struggle to contain a presidency they argue is increasingly unbound.
