US President Donald Trump once again turned the spotlight on himself before he met with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders. On August 18, Trump attacked the media, called them “stupid people,” and accused them of making the Russia-Ukraine conflict harder to solve.
He tied the criticism to his broader fight with what he calls “Fake News” and reminded supporters of his claimed record of ending wars. The timing made his remarks more than just a rant, it was a calculated move to frame the White House gathering as his moment of leadership.
Trump Blasts the Media
In his post on Truth Social, Trump launched a scathing attack. He wrote, “I’ve settled 6 Wars in 6 months, one of them a possible nuclear disaster.” Yet, he complained that newspapers like The Wall Street Journal continue to say he is handling the Russia-Ukraine conflict the wrong way.
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According to him, this is not his war but “Sleepy Joe Biden’s war.” He insisted that his role is only to stop the disaster, not to escalate it further.
Claim of Experience
Trump stressed that he does not need advice from so-called experts. In his words, “It would have NEVER happened if I were President. I know exactly what I’m doing.”
He said these experts failed to stop wars for years, while he can do it quickly. He added that their ideas lack sense and only make the “R/U disaster more difficult to FIX.”
Victory vs Perception Angle
Trump went further with a striking example. He argued that even if Russia surrendered completely and handed Moscow and St. Petersburg to Ukraine and the United States, the media would still spin it as a loss for him.
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To Trump, this shows how perception is twisted against him, regardless of the facts. This framing highlights his long-standing battle to control the narrative of success, even in global conflicts.
“Big Day” at the White House
Despite the attacks, Trump also praised the upcoming event. Just hours before meeting Zelensky and European leaders, he said, “A big day at the White House.”
He noted that so many European leaders had never gathered at once in Washington. He called it a “great honour for America.” Yet, the overshadowing message remained his fury at the media and his claim that only he knows how to bring peace.
Media vs Peace
Trump’s remarks before a high-profile diplomatic meeting show how he continues to mix foreign policy with his war on the press. For him, the fight is not just about Ukraine or Europe. It is about shaping the perception of victory, no matter what happens on the battlefield.
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