President Donald Trump is facing new criticism after reposting a message that compared his global power to historical rulers and dictators, including Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Stalin, Mao and Hitler.
The post, which Trump shared early Friday, argued that many powerful figures in history were known for conquest and fear, but claimed that Trump differed from them because of his greater “global reach.” Trump responded to the message by writing, “Sounds good to me!”
The author of the text was identified by Trump as “presidential historian Dave King.” However, according to reporting cited in the source material, King is not a professional historian. He is a Scottish-born businessman living in South Africa and previously served as chair of the Rangers Football Club in Glasgow.
The unusual post comes as new excerpts from Regime Change, a book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, draw renewed attention to Trump’s view of presidential power. The book, based on extensive reporting and interviews, is expected to be published next week.
TRENDING TODAY
According to CNN’s reporting on the book, Trump first mentioned King’s document during a March interview with Haberman and Swan. When asked about the power he holds as president, Trump reportedly called for aides to bring him a two-page document that he said had been written by a historian.
The book reportedly says Trump read from the document and compared his power to several historical figures, arguing that each of them lacked the reach of the modern American presidency. The leaders named in the document included Alexander the Great, Roman emperors, Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun, Napoleon, Hitler, Mao and Stalin.
Trump has previously praised or expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, making the new post especially controversial. Critics are likely to argue that a president should not welcome comparisons involving some of history’s most violent rulers, even if the comparison is framed around power rather than ideology.
Supporters may argue that Trump was simply highlighting the global influence of the U.S. presidency and not endorsing the actions of dictators. Still, the phrase “Sounds good to me!” is likely to become a political flashpoint.
The book also includes other reported details about Trump’s private comments and behavior during his second term. According to excerpts, Trump complained about negative press, considered surprising Cabinet choices and made blunt remarks about political rivals and foreign leaders.
One reported passage says Trump discussed making Ron DeSantis his defense secretary because he wanted “plot twists.” Another claims Trump made crude remarks about Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and wanted to pressure him over renovation costs at the Federal Reserve building.
The latest episode adds to a broader debate over Trump’s use of power, his language about leadership and his relationship with authoritarian imagery. For opponents, the repost will reinforce concerns that Trump is comfortable with strongman comparisons. For allies, it may be dismissed as another example of Trump’s provocative online style.
Either way, the post is likely to keep the focus on Trump’s view of presidential authority at a time when his administration is already facing scrutiny over intelligence appointments, foreign policy decisions and aggressive use of executive power.
Why It Matters
The controversy matters because presidents’ words carry symbolic weight, especially when they involve comparisons to dictators or authoritarian rulers. Even if the post was meant to emphasize power rather than cruelty, critics say the language risks normalizing dangerous political imagery.
It also matters because the new book is already shaping debate over Trump’s second term and how he understands the power of the presidency.
What Comes Next
The release of Regime Change is likely to bring more attention to Trump’s private conversations and reported comments about power, war and political opponents.
Democrats and critics are expected to use the repost as part of a broader argument that Trump embraces authoritarian language, while his supporters will likely argue the reaction is exaggerated.
Trump reposted a message praising an assessment of his global power by Dave King, whom he described as a presidential historian.
Presidential Historian Dave King — Sounds good to me!
( TS: Jun 18 2026, 12:08 AM ET ) pic.twitter.com/P5k6Jgmwe6
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) June 18, 2026
