Just when you think Donald Trump has exhausted all the ways to grab attention, he surprises the public yet again—this time by claiming credit for inventing a word that’s actually centuries old.
The statement has left many scratching their heads, questioning whether it was a simple gaffe or a deliberate attempt to steer the conversation in a new direction. Given Trump’s history of grandiose declarations, it’s hard not to consider the timing and motives behind this latest eyebrow-raising claim.
The backdrop: following the recent death of Pope Francis at age 88, the Vatican announced on May 8 that Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, had been elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV—making him the first American to hold the papacy.
Reacting to the news, Trump took to Truth Social with a triumphant message: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, just named Pope. What an incredible honor for the United States to have the first American Pope.”
He added, “Looking forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. That will be a special moment!”
Then came a veiled jab at ABC journalist Martha Raddatz (misspelled by Trump as “Raditz”), mocking her for suggesting the pope’s selection had nothing to do with him. Trump wrote, “It was funny to watch old timer Martha on ABC Fake News blurt that out. Totally on her Trump Deranged Mind.”
Reminding everyone of his political clout, Trump boasted, “Remember, I did WIN the Catholic Vote, by a lot!”
He also took a swipe at Disney CEO Bob Iger, saying, “Bob should clean house on his low-rated shows. Time for change. MAGAI!”
And then, the grand claim: “The rest of the world will pay more, America less. Because our population is smaller, we are ‘equalizing’—a new word I came up with. It’s probably the best word. We’re going to equalize the costs. Everyone pays the same. We’re paying what Europe pays.”
However, the word “equalizing” has been part of the English language since at least 1559, well before Trump’s time.
Social media users were quick to point out the obvious. One joked, “Pretty sure I heard ‘equalize’ before!”
Another referenced pop culture, “Wasn’t there an ’80s TV show called The Equalizer? Did he invent the word back then and just forgot?”
Despite Trump’s bold claim to linguistic invention, history—and common sense—tell a different story. This latest episode highlights how confidently delivered statements don’t always stand up to scrutiny, leaving many to wonder if it’s just another chapter in Trump’s unique worldview.