President Donald Trump said that fishermen, farmers, and people like himself built the U.S. while speaking in the Oval Office [1].

The comments highlight the president's tendency to link his personal identity and business background to the foundational success of the country. By framing his policymaking approach through this lens, he aligns his administration with the working and entrepreneurial classes while dismissing opposition.

Trump said the remarks while answering a question regarding how he approaches the creation of policy [1]. During the exchange, he specifically credited the labor of fishermen and farmers as essential to the nation's growth [2]. He then added that "guys like me" built the country [1].

While discussing the role of these groups and his own contributions, Trump addressed those who oppose his methods or policies [3]. He called these unnamed critics "ingrates" [1].

The exchange took place in the White House in Washington, D.C. [2]. The president used the moment to emphasize a personal connection to the country's founders and the figures who established the American economy [1].

Trump did not provide specific examples of the policies he was referring to during the discussion, but the remarks served to contrast his self-perception as a builder against the perspective of his detractors [1].

“"Guys like me" built the country.”

This rhetoric reinforces a populist framing of the presidency, where the leader positions himself not as a traditional politician but as a representative of the productive class. By labeling critics as 'ingrates,' the president suggests that opposition to his policies is a rejection of the very foundations of American prosperity.