Donald Trump has once again sparked global attention with his remarks on world leaders, naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping as the leaders he admires most for their power, influence and ability to get things done.
Speaking on “The Axios Show” shortly after attending the G7 Summit in France, the US President was asked which global leaders he respected the most in terms of power, leverage and execution. Trump responded by highlighting Modi and Xi, describing them as strong and effective leaders in their own ways.
Trump had particularly warm words for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Praising India’s rise on the global stage, he said Modi has delivered impressive results for the country and has successfully kept India away from major global conflicts.
“I think Modi is very good. They’ve had some very good numbers announced. He stays out of wars, which is smart. India is the biggest. Modi is a great leader,” Trump said.
The US President also described the Indian Prime Minister as “a very tough cookie”, suggesting that Modi is much stronger and more determined than many people realize.
Trump reserved similar praise for Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him “all business” and acknowledging his ability to exercise authority and execute decisions effectively.
During the interview, Trump declined to identify any world leaders he considered weak. Instead, he shifted the discussion to global power dynamics and the changing nature of international leadership.
The interview also touched on Trump’s views about his own influence. He claimed that he had discovered “no limits” to his power following recent developments involving Iran. Trump repeatedly suggested that his leadership had significantly shaped international events, including developments in the Middle East.
His comments come ahead of the release of a new book, “Regime Change”, written by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. According to excerpts from the book, Trump reviewed a document comparing his influence to that of some of history’s most powerful figures, including Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong and Adolf Hitler.
The book claims Trump appeared fascinated by comparisons between his authority as US President and the power exercised by historical rulers. The document reportedly argued that modern technology and America’s global reach gave Trump a level of influence unmatched in history.
Trump also discussed his relationships with several world leaders during the interview. Referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he described their relationship as good while suggesting that strong leadership sometimes requires keeping allies in check.
The remarks have generated significant discussion internationally, particularly Trump’s praise for Modi and Xi—leaders who represent two of the world’s largest and most influential nations. His comments are likely to attract attention in both India and China as global geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve.
