Trump reveals stark change he sees in himself since first term: 'I was the hunted, now I’m the hunter'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump offered a stark self-assessment on Wednesday, June 18, drawing a dramatic contrast between his first and second terms during a flagpole unveiling ceremony outside the White House.
In a brief exchange with reporters, Trump made a bold declaration, “I was the hunted. Now I’m the hunter.”
.@POTUS: "I was the hunted — and now I'm the hunter." 🔥 pic.twitter.com/d9QFJfapgt
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 18, 2025
Donald Trump says he is now 'the hunter' in contrast to his first presidency
The remark came in response to a question about his decision to install towering new flagpoles on the White House grounds. Trump was met with the question, “What gave you the idea to do this?”
“I’ve had it for a long time,” Trump told reporters. “The first time I had it, you know, you guys were after me and I said, ‘I had to focus.’ I was the hunted. And now I’m the hunter. It’s a big difference.”

The president’s choice of words ignited immediate and polarized responses across the political spectrum. His supporters, including far-right Republican Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, celebrated the statement as a symbol of strength.
They stole the 2020 election.
— Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) June 18, 2025
They tried to put him in jail.
They tried to kill him.
Yes he was the hunted.
But now he’s the hunter.🔥 https://t.co/Ude7tsP6qm
Greene reposted the quote on social media with the caption, “They stole the 2020 election. They tried to put him in jail. They tried to kill him. Yes he was the hunted. But now he’s the hunter.”
Internet reacts to Donald Trump's fiery new statement
Donald Trump’s latest declaration, “I was the hunted. Now I’m the hunter,” made during the unveiling of massive new flagpoles outside the White House, has triggered a surge of passionate reactions across the internet.
One user praised, “Proud Trump voter!!! This man can’t be stopped.”
Another added, “Trump is our hope for the America we all dream for.”
Trump is our hope for the America we all dream for.
— 🤔 Critical Thinker (@Truth_Seeker_14) June 18, 2025
Social media lit up with MAGA supporters rallying behind Trump.
“THAT MAN IS MY PRESIDENT!!!!!! MAGA!!!!!” one wrote, while another commented, “What an absolute legend.”
“I’ll say it now, this is what I voted for,” a user lamented.
One user asked, “What movie did he just watch?”
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.