Fact Check: Did donald trump think he wouldnt become president?

Did Donald Trump Think He Wouldn't Become President?

Introduction

The claim in question revolves around whether former President Donald Trump believed he would not become president. This assertion raises questions about Trump's expectations and mindset during his campaign and subsequent presidency. Various sources provide insights into Trump's thoughts and feelings regarding the presidency, but the evidence is mixed and requires careful examination.

What We Know

1. Trump's Initial Thoughts on the Presidency: In an interview with Reuters in April 2017, Trump expressed that he thought being president would be easier than his previous business endeavors. He mentioned feeling surprised by the difficulties of the role, indicating a level of unexpectedness about the challenges he faced as president 3.

2. Campaign Promises and Expectations: Throughout his 2016 campaign, Trump made numerous promises and statements that suggested a strong belief in his potential to win the presidency. For example, he often spoke confidently about his chances and the changes he would implement once in office 5.

3. Public Statements: Trump's public remarks have varied over time. While he has often projected confidence about his presidency, there are instances where he has reflected on the challenges he faced, which could imply a level of surprise about the reality of the role 3.

4. Context of the Claim: The claim appears to stem from interpretations of Trump's comments about the presidency being harder than anticipated. However, it is essential to differentiate between his expectations before and after assuming office.

Analysis

The evidence regarding Trump's belief about becoming president is nuanced and requires a critical evaluation of the sources:

• Reuters Article: The Reuters report from 2017 provides a direct quote from Trump, which is a primary source. However, it is essential to note that this statement reflects his feelings after assuming office, which may not directly address his pre-election mindset. Reuters is generally considered a reliable news source, known for its fact-based reporting 3.

• Campaign Statements: Trump's campaign rhetoric was characterized by assertiveness and confidence. The BBC article discussing his promises during the campaign indicates that he was actively positioning himself as a frontrunner, suggesting he believed in his potential to win 5. However, the interpretation of these statements as evidence of his pre-election doubts is speculative.

• Quotes and Anecdotes: Various compilations of Trump's quotes can provide context but may lack the depth needed to assess his true feelings about the presidency. For example, while some quotes express confidence, others reflect on the challenges he faced 69. The selection of quotes can also introduce bias, as they may be curated to support specific narratives.

• Potential Bias: Some sources, like opinion pieces or compilations of quotes, may carry inherent biases that could skew the interpretation of Trump's beliefs. It is crucial to consider the purpose of the source when evaluating its reliability.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To gain a clearer understanding of Trump's mindset regarding his presidential aspirations, it would be beneficial to have:

• Direct quotes or interviews from Trump during his campaign that explicitly address his expectations about winning.
• Insights from close advisors or campaign staff that could provide context on Trump's internal thoughts and feelings leading up to the election.
• Comparative analysis of other political figures' statements about their expectations before assuming office to contextualize Trump's experience.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Donald Trump thought he would not become president is partially true. Evidence suggests that while he exhibited confidence during his campaign, his later reflections indicate he was surprised by the challenges of the presidency. This duality in his statements complicates a straightforward interpretation of his beliefs.

The key evidence leading to this verdict includes Trump's confident campaign rhetoric, which implies a belief in his potential to win, contrasted with his later comments expressing surprise at the difficulties of the role. This suggests a shift in his mindset from pre-election confidence to post-election realization of the presidency's complexities.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. Much of the interpretation relies on subjective analysis of Trump's statements, which can vary in context and intent. Additionally, the lack of direct insights into his pre-election mindset leaves room for speculation.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances in political statements, as interpretations can often be influenced by the sources and contexts from which they arise.

Sources

1. Remarks by President Trump after Executive Order Signing. (2025). Retrieved from White House
2. Remarks by President Trump in Joint Address to Congress. (2025). Retrieved from White House
3. Trump says he thought being president would be easier. (2017). Retrieved from Reuters
4. Seven things Trump says he will do as president. (2024). Retrieved from BBC
5. US election 2020: Has Trump delivered on his promises? (2020). Retrieved from BBC
6. TOP 25 QUOTES BY DONALD TRUMP. (2017). Retrieved from AZ Quotes
7. Trump says he is not joking about seeking a third term as president. (2024). Retrieved from CBS News
8. 30 of Donald Trump's wildest quotes. (2016). Retrieved from CBS News
9. 30 of Trump's most famous quotes since becoming president. (2019). Retrieved from Business Insider
10. Trump says he will only accept 2024 election results 'if ...'. (2024). Retrieved from CNN