Trump’s first 100 days marked by shocking quotes and global backlash

Trump’s return to the White House triggers global reactions with inflammatory remarks and controversial proposals.

President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025, in Washington, DC. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In the first 100 days of his second term, Trump’s first 100 days have not just been a whirlwind of policymaking, but a spectacle of soundbites that sparked outrage, disbelief, and fervent support in equal measure. The former businessman and reality TV star, now the first convicted felon to be re-elected president, has seized every opportunity to dominate headlines with statements that continue to blur the lines between politics and performance.

From invoking divine intervention in his political survival to hurling accusations at global allies, Donald Trump has made it clear that his second term will not be a quiet one. His return has been shaped not only by executive orders and policy decisions but also by Trump’s controversial remarks—each one echoing across the globe, often with immediate diplomatic consequences.

“Saved by God” and savior complex

On January 20, during his inaugural address, Trump opened his presidency with a dramatic assertion: “I was saved by God to make America great again.” Referring to the failed assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, he framed his return as providential, casting himself as a divinely chosen leader. This statement drew strong reactions from both supporters who saw it as patriotic rhetoric and critics who warned of an emerging messianic complex in American politics.

Targeting allies and shifting loyalties

Within his first month in office, Trump caused diplomatic waves by branding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator without elections.” The remark, made in February on his Truth Social platform, marked a sharp departure from the U.S.’s previous support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. While Trump later seemed to backtrack, telling a reporter, “Did I say that?” the damage was already done. Ukrainian officials responded angrily, accusing the White House of playing into Russian disinformation narratives.

The episode typifies Trump’s first 100 days—statements issued, retracted, and then reinterpreted, leaving allies confused and adversaries emboldened.

“Kissing my ass”: allies scramble under tariff pressure

In April, at a Republican conference, Trump ridiculed foreign leaders by saying, “These countries are calling us up, kissing my ass.” The inflammatory line came amid mounting international concern over the administration’s sweeping tariffs, which had jolted global trade networks. Though he later announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs, the comment further strained relationships with key U.S. allies in Europe and Asia.

Diplomats from several NATO countries expressed alarm at the shift in tone from the White House, with one European envoy telling reporters, “There’s no room for diplomacy when insults take center stage.”

Vision of Gaza luxury resort triggers gasps

Perhaps the most surreal moment of Trump’s first 100 days occurred during a February press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Proposing a bold—and bewildering—idea, Trump called for turning Gaza into “The Riviera of the Middle East.” He described a plan for a U.S.-led reconstruction of the war-torn territory into a luxury destination.

Observers were stunned. Palestinian leaders denounced the suggestion as “tone-deaf,” while even some Israeli officials distanced themselves from the remark. Human rights groups criticized the vision as an out-of-touch fantasy that ignored the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region.

Canada as the 51st state?

One of the more bizarre moments came when Trump posted on Truth Social, “Canada should become our Cherished 51st State.” Though widely dismissed as a joke or provocation, the post triggered a storm of commentary in Canada. Some politicians called it “unacceptable interference,” while Canadian citizens debated the implications of such a scenario online.

The Canadian government issued a formal statement reaffirming its sovereignty, underscoring the increasingly unpredictable nature of U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s leadership.

Dismantling diplomacy with the European Union

At his first cabinet meeting in February, Trump lashed out at one of the United States’ longest-standing partners, declaring, “The European Union was formed in order to screw the United States.” The comment, echoing his previous antagonism toward multilateral agreements, signaled a renewed phase of combative trade relations.

EU leaders condemned the statement as historically inaccurate and diplomatically reckless. Analysts warned that such rhetoric could undermine decades of transatlantic cooperation on economic, environmental, and security issues.

Judicial attacks and backlash from the bench

One of the defining features of Trump’s first 100 days has been his ongoing war of words with the judiciary. In March, Trump turned his ire toward Judge James Boasberg, writing, “This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED.”

This outburst, following a ruling that limited Trump’s authority over migrant deportation flights, drew an unusually strong rebuke from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who reminded the public that “an independent judiciary is the bedrock of American democracy.”

Legal scholars and civil liberties advocates expressed concern that Trump’s repeated personal attacks on judges could erode public trust in the judicial system.

A presidency defined by provocation

Throughout Trump’s first 100 days, the president has repeatedly turned press events, social media posts, and public speeches into stages for provocation. His strategy seems aimed not just at political messaging but at creating a perpetual state of confrontation—one that galvanizes his base while alienating many traditional allies.

His verbal attacks have turned longstanding diplomatic relationships into battlegrounds. His self-aggrandizing tone has amplified partisan divisions at home. And yet, his popularity within certain voter blocs remains strong, suggesting that, for many Americans, his brashness is seen not as a flaw but a feature.

Domestic consequences of Trump’s rhetoric

Trump’s unfiltered comments haven’t just affected international relations—they’ve also reverberated domestically. His revival of the phrase “America First” has been interpreted by many as a signal of renewed nationalism, while his continued attacks on federal institutions have prompted protests from civil society groups and opposition lawmakers.

On immigration, healthcare, and education, Trump’s rhetoric has already sparked fierce debate in Congress. His tendency to govern by slogan rather than substance has made bipartisan cooperation nearly impossible, with gridlock intensifying in the House and Senate.

Can tone translate into policy?

As Trump moves into the next phase of his presidency, a key question looms: can the energy of his first 100 days be harnessed into effective governance? Or will his tenure be defined by spectacle over substance?

While his statements have certainly grabbed the world’s attention, the long-term consequences—both for American democracy and global stability—remain uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Trump’s first 100 days have already set the tone for one of the most controversial presidencies in U.S. history.

Whether through policy shifts, diplomatic ruptures, or rhetorical shockwaves, Trump’s return to the White House has reaffirmed his status as a political force who defies convention—and thrives on chaos.