Trump Declares Himself the 'Hunter' in Second Term, Vows Pursuit of Critics
In a revealing interview, former President Donald Trump painted a vivid picture of his political evolution, boasting that he has transformed from the "hunted" to the "hunter" as he navigates his second term. Speaking on NewsNation's "Katie Pavlich Tonight," Trump reflected on his tumultuous first administration, which he characterized as "really successful" but marred by external pressures.
First Term Achievements and Grievances
Trump touted his first-term accomplishments, including rebuilding the military and securing historic tax cuts. However, he lamented that these successes were overshadowed by what he called pervasive corruption from "fake news" and political adversaries. "The first term was great, but it was corrupted by fake, you know, the fake news, the fake politicians, everything, Russia, Russia, Russia, the hoax, the hoax of the century, all of the different things," he stated, echoing familiar grievances about investigations and media coverage.
Shift in Strategy and Targeting Opponents
The former president emphasized a strategic shift in his approach, claiming that his current term is more "pleasurable" because he is actively pursuing those he views as opponents. "In a way, I was the hunted, and now I'm more of the hunter," Trump explained, adding that "these are bad people. These are sick people. I don't know. Something's wrong with them." This rhetoric aligns with actions taken by the Department of Justice under his administration, which has probed or issued subpoenas and indictments against several critics, such as former national security adviser John Bolton.
Expanded Focus on Political and Media Targets
Trump's targeting extends beyond political figures to include vocal opponents like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who have opposed aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies in their state. Additionally, the president has regularly attacked free speech and reporters whose coverage he perceives as unfavorable, often publicly blasting individual journalists. This pattern underscores his broader campaign against dissent, which he frames as part of his "hunter" persona.
Historical Context and Social Media Echo
This is not the first time Trump has used the "hunter" line. In June 2025, he told reporters that he delayed a White House building project during his first term because "you guys" were "after" him, reiterating, "I was the hunted, and now I'm the hunter. It's a big difference." The sentiment has been amplified on social media, with the White House posting the quote on platforms like Instagram, further cementing this narrative in public discourse.
Overall, Trump's comments highlight a defiant stance in his second term, where he positions himself as an aggressive force against critics, reshaping the political landscape through targeted actions and rhetoric.
