On August 25, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated from the Oval Office that European leaders jokingly refer to him as the "President of Europe," a designation he described as an honor. Trump attributed this nickname to his role in managing the Ukraine war and securing an agreement among NATO leaders to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. His remarks were made during a public event where he signed executive orders, including one criminalizing flag desecration. The comments have drawn attention amid ongoing high-stakes diplomacy involving the United States and European nations.