Jesse Watters mocked for bizarre ‘Trump has dad strength’ response to Eric Swalwell’s GOP gym dig

Watters: Trump golfs. He has dad strength. You know dad strength? He doesn’t look like he's in shape but when he grabs you—One time my father grabbed me and I was like oh, my god, this guy is stronger than I am. pic.twitter.com/TmFANmZHSd
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 29, 2025
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Fox News host Jesse Watters was mocked for his bizarre remark where he praised President Donald Trump's "dad strength" while responding to Democratic Rep Eric Swalwell, who expressed his anger at Republicans’ day-early break for the August recess in a video shot during a gym workout.
During his remark, Watters compared President Trump’s "strength" to the assertive grip of a father, remembering how one time his father grabbed him and he was shocked by his strength.
Jesse Watters says 'Trump has dad strength' while replying to Eric Swalwell’s GOP gym dig
On Monday, July 28 episode of Fox News' 'The Five', Jesse Watters said, "Trump is politically jacked and that’s what Swalwell doesn’t understand."
"People respect you for doing things that are hard and lifting things that are heavy. Trump has real strength — Swalwell is trying to look strong, and that’s the difference," he added.
Watters then said, "Trump golfs. He has dad strength …You know dad strength? He doesn’t look like he’s in shape, but then he grabs you — one time my father grabbed me, and I was like, 'Oh, my God this guy is stronger than I am!' and I was like 18."

Interestingly, Watters' remarks came following a social media video by Rep Eric Swalwell over the weekend that showed him lifting weights in the gym.
in the clip, Swalwell criticized Republicans for putting Congress on five-week summer recess a day early while working out in the gym.
Moreover, Many Democrats believe that the recess was pulled to avoid a House vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files.
"I should be working right now. I should be at the Capitol. I should be in a suit. Instead, Republicans sent us home because they would rather stand up for Donald Trump than release the Epstein files and stand up for victims," Swalwell said while lifting weights in the gym.
I should be working right now. But Republicans shut down Congress. So instead, I’m pumping iron at the gym. pic.twitter.com/uNRPah17wh
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) July 28, 2025
Interestingly, this is not the first time that the POTUS has been referred to as "Daddy Trump". During a Trump rally in October 2024, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson compared Trump to a violent father and the nation to naughty children.
He said back then, "And when dad gets home, you know what he says? 'You’ve been a bad girl. You’ve been a bad little girl, and you’re getting a vigorous spanking right now. You’re getting a vigorous spanking because you’ve been a bad girl ― and it has to be this way!'"
Internet trolls Jesse Watters for his 'Trump has dad strength' remark
Many internet users trolled Jesse Watters as he praised Donald Trump's "dad strength" while responding to Eric Swalwell in a bizarre rant.
A user wrote on X, "There is something wrong with a man who constantly talks about other men being manly or not manly enough," while one added, "Why does Watters feel the need to have his childhood therapy session on air?"
There is something wrong with a man who constantly talks about other men being manly or not manly enough
— We told you So (@terri4436166795) July 29, 2025
Why does Watters feel the need to have his childhood therpay session on air?
— Challenge Your Beliefs (@ChallengeBelief) July 29, 2025
A person also stated, "A 5 year old boy is stronger than Jesse Watters. This is no big accomplishment by his Dad," whereas one mentioned, "Watters playing out his paternal neurosis live on tv."
A 5 year old boy is stronger than Jesse Watters. This is no big accomplishment by his Dad.
— John Rocha (@TheRochaSays) July 29, 2025
A user also wrote, "I’m not sure that saying much. I’d put money on the fact that I’m stronger than Jesse Watters, and I’m a 63 year old Grandma," while one commented, "@JesseBWatters always talking other About man Jesse come out of the closet dude!!"
I’m not sure that saying much. I’d put money on the fact that I’m stronger than Jesse Watters, and I’m a 63 year old Grandma.
— Kimberly 🏕️ 🐶🧢 (@KimberlySuth) July 29, 2025
@JesseBWatters always talking other About man Jesse come out of the closet dude!! 😂
— Dj Omega Mvp (@DjOmegaMVP) July 29, 2025
A person also mentioned, "How many times has Jesse referred to Trump as dad or daddy? That’s so creepy."
How many times has Jesse referred to Trump as dad or daddy? That’s so creepy.
— Hey Jo🤍 (@joe_jo9) July 29, 2025
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