Trump Says He’s ‘Now the Hunter’ in Presidents Day Statement
President Donald Trump marked Presidents Day with a striking message that quickly drew attention online, as the White House posted an image of him accompanied by the phrase: “I was the hunted, and now I’m the hunter.”
The image, shared Monday on official White House social media accounts, featured a stern-looking Trump and quoted remarks he made during a recent interview discussing the contrast between his first and second terms in office.
In that interview, Trump described what he characterized as years of investigations and political opposition during his first term. “In a way, I was the hunted, and now I’m more of the hunter,” he said, suggesting a shift in posture as he returns to the presidency.
The statement aligns with Trump’s broader messaging since returning to office, in which he has framed his presidency as a response to what he calls politically motivated investigations by prosecutors and political rivals.
Trump has repeatedly criticized figures such as former Special Counsel Jack Smith, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James, accusing them of targeting him unfairly.
His administration has signaled a more aggressive posture toward what it views as political adversaries.
The Presidents Day post, however, sparked debate across social media platforms, with critics calling the language combative while supporters praised it as a declaration of strength.
The message also comes amid ongoing scrutiny over several high-profile investigations, including questions surrounding the Justice Department’s handling of cases related to Jeffrey Epstein and alleged associates.
So far, federal authorities have not announced major new prosecutions tied to that matter under Trump’s second term.
Presidents Day traditionally serves as a celebration of the office and its history. This year’s message from the White House underscored the deeply polarized political climate, as Trump continues to frame his leadership in stark, confrontational terms.
Q: What goals do you have for 2026 for Congress in terms of getting your agenda through?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 21, 2026
TRUMP: I have great executive orders. Like, water coming out of a sink. The water wouldn't come out. They had all sorts of ridiculous restrictions. I took them off. Straws. They don't have… pic.twitter.com/B1h2shfxoQ
