President Donald Trump on Wednesday night bragged that America is respected around the world under his leadership. But his critics weren’t buying it. “Tonight, as we stand at the edge of our 250th year of independence, I am thrilled to declare that America is back,” Trump said, then added: “As you know very well, a short time ago we were a dead country. We were dead. Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world. We’re respected by everybody. Nobody’s laughing at us anymore. Two years ago, they were laughing. Now, we’re the most respected anywhere ― think of it ― anywhere in the world.”Trump speaks at a rally kicking off the "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 2026.Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty ImagesHowever, the video evidence tells another story. Footage from last year, for example, showed several European leaders laughing over how Trump kept confusing Albania for Armenia. Leaders were also caught on camera laughing at his expense more than once during his prior term in office. And last year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who is considering running for president himself in 2028, said he’s seen other world leaders laughing at Trump.“I’ve had the privilege of meeting a lot of foreign leaders,” Newsom said at a Politico event. “They’re laughing behind his back.”Critics were also laughing at the president on X:When did SNL start coming on Wednesday nights?— SANTINO (@SantinoCorleon) June 25, 2026Relatedgavin newsom