Things Trump Joked About That He Actually Did

A list of things Trump joked about that he later actually did.

• Space Force: In March 2018, Trump said he had floated a “Space Force” while “not really serious,” before deciding it was a good idea. He later signed legislation formally establishing the U.S. Space Force on December 20, 2019.

• A French-style military parade: After attending France’s Bastille Day parade in 2017, Trump said, to laughter, that the U.S. might stage something similar and would “have to try and top it.” A large military parade was ultimately held in Washington on June 14, 2025, during Trump’s second term.

• “Department of War”: At the June 2025 NATO summit, Trump jokingly referred to Pete Hegseth as “Secretary of War” and suggested they might consider changing the name. On September 5, 2025, Trump signed an executive order authorizing “Department of War” and “Secretary of War” as secondary official titles.

• Joe Arpaio pardon: At an August 22, 2017 rally, Trump told the crowd that Arpaio was “going to be just fine” and said he would not act that night. Three days later, Trump pardoned him.