Trump says ‘Make America Great Again’ drove him to leave ‘a wonderful life’ for presidency

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, August 30, reflected on his decision to enter presidential politics in an interview with Fox News’ Trey Gowdy.

The president said that he had “a wonderful life” before launching his political career but was deeply motivated by his desire to “Make America Great Again.”

Trump also discussed his attention to detail, his claims about crime in Washington, DC, and the dangers of the presidency following assassination attempts against him.

Trump says MAGA drove his political decision

Gowdy asked Trump whether he would make the same decision again if given the chance, pointing to the president’s life before politics and the enjoyment he appeared to take from construction projects. Trump acknowledged that he had been happy with his life before entering politics. “I had a wonderful life,” Trump said.

“But, you know, I had a little expression that you may have heard before: Make America Great Again. It was the first thing I thought of, and I used it as a phrase, and MAGA certainly caught on, as you know very well,” he said.

Gowdy also pressed the president on what drives his focus on details, recalling occasions when he had seen the president personally move stakes on a golf course and inspect construction work.

Trump attributed that behavior to his personality and said he pays close attention when something appears out of place. “I'm a perfectionist,” Trump said, adding that he notices details such as “a crooked line” or a corner that is not square.

The president also used the moment to criticize Democrats, stating that it is one of the things he “hates” about the left.

“That's one of the things I hate about the radical left. Everything turns filthy, dirty, and then it goes to hell, and then the murder starts and the crime starts and everything else. I don't know if that's natural. I don't know if it's picked up. I want to see it fixed and made better.”

Trump calls presidency ‘a dangerous profession’

The conversation also turned to the risks associated with the presidency, including the assassination attempts Trump has faced during his second term. When asked about the dangers of the profession, Trump compared the risks faced by presidents with those associated with other activities, including bull riding.

“Bull riding looks pretty dangerous to me. I wouldn't want to do that. I think I'd rather be in a race car. One-tenth of one percent, same number, just about the same number die. President, 5.2 percent. It's a dangerous profession,” Trump said.

Trump said the presence of security and law enforcement personnel around him has helped him continue in the role despite those risks. “I'm surrounded by very good people,” he said, praising the Secret Service, law enforcement and the military.

Trump also characterized the assassination attempts as a reflection of the impact he believes his presidency has had. “Only consequential presidents get shot or shot at,” Trump said. “And I am very consequential. We've changed this whole world, we've saved this country from nuclear weapon.”