Fact Check: Trump's F-bomb on Live TV Shocked NATO Leaders
What We Know
On June 24, 2025, President Donald Trump was filmed expressing frustration about the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Iran, during which he used the f-word on camera. Specifically, he stated, "We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don't know what the f*** they're doing" as he left the White House for a NATO summit in The Hague (NPR). This marked a notable departure from the traditional decorum expected of U.S. presidents, as they typically avoid using such explicit language in public settings.
Historian Russell Riley noted that while many presidents have used coarse language privately, Trump's public use of profanity, especially the f-word, was unprecedented. He remarked, "In no instance do I recall a president openly using this term in a public forum" (NPR). This incident drew significant media attention and reactions from various political commentators and leaders.
Analysis
The claim that Trump's use of the f-word shocked NATO leaders is partially true. While it is accurate that Trump's language was shocking and unusual for a sitting president, the extent to which it shocked NATO leaders specifically is less clear. The incident occurred during a press briefing, and while it was widely reported and discussed in the media, there is no direct evidence indicating that NATO leaders were visibly shocked or reacted publicly to his remarks at that moment.
Moreover, Trump's history of using coarse language has somewhat desensitized the public and political figures to his rhetoric. As noted by Riley, Trump's supporters often appreciate his plain-spoken style, which might mitigate the shock value of such statements (NPR). Additionally, reactions from other leaders, such as NATO chief Mark Rutte, who referred to Trump as "Daddy" after the incident, suggest a level of familiarity with Trump's unconventional communication style (The Hill).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, particularly NPR, which is known for its journalistic integrity. However, the interpretation of reactions from NATO leaders may vary based on the sources cited, and some media outlets may present a more sensationalized view of the event (The Hill, YouTube).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump's f-bomb on live TV shocked NATO leaders is Partially True. While Trump's use of profanity in a public forum was indeed shocking and unprecedented for a U.S. president, the specific impact on NATO leaders is less clear and not directly evidenced. The context of Trump's communication style and the reactions from political figures suggest that while the incident was notable, it may not have had the profound shock value that the claim implies.
