Donald Trump is well-known for making grand statements, whether it’s about revitalizing the economy or claiming mastery over language. His most recent assertion, however, may be the most puzzling to date.
Trump’s Announcement on Drug Pricing
At a recent White House press event, Trump outlined a new initiative to significantly lower the cost of prescription medications in the U.S.-by as much as 80%-with the goal of bringing American drug prices in line with those in Europe. The 78-year-old president described this move as one of the most impactful executive orders in the nation’s history, instructing pharmaceutical firms to reduce costs for American consumers.
He remarked, “Other countries will have to pay a bit more, and Americans will pay much less. This is because our population is smaller compared to the rest of the world,” emphasizing the plan’s intended fairness.
The “New Word” Claim
During the same address, Trump made a statement that left many scratching their heads. He said, “What we’re doing is equalizing. It’s a new word that I came up with, and I think it’s probably the best word. We’re going to equalize. Everyone will pay the same-we’ll pay what Europe pays.”
This assertion prompted widespread confusion, as the word “equalizing” is far from new. In fact, historians and language experts quickly pointed out that “equalize” has been part of the English language for centuries, predating Trump Tower by hundreds of years.
Origins and History of “Equalize”
Tech and language commentator Farrukh Younus addressed the claim on TikTok, noting, “President Trump says he invented the word ‘equalize.’ In reality, the term first appeared in English between 1480 and 1500.” He explained that the word has its roots in Late Latin-aequalizare, meaning “to make equal,” which itself is derived from aequalis (equal)4. Major dictionaries, such as Merriam-Webster, confirm that “equalize” has been in use since at least the 16th century.
Social Media Response
The internet responded with humor and disbelief. One social media user joked about having heard the word “equalize” before, while another referenced the 1980s television series “The Equalizer,” quipping about Trump possibly inventing the term decades ago.
This episode is not the first time Trump has claimed to originate popular phrases or words. He recently made light of wanting to become the next Pope, even sharing an AI-generated image of himself in papal robes, though he later denied creating it.
Whether dictionaries will ever credit Trump with inventing “equalizer” is highly unlikely-but in the unpredictable world of politics, stranger things have happened.