Computing

Trump Claims Google Kisses His Ass in Second Term

During a campaign-style rally in Kentucky, Donald Trump compared his second presidential term to his first, highlighting tech relations and name changes.

Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer

Published: October 19, 2026 · Updated: October 19, 2026 · 3 min read

Trump Claims Google Kisses His Ass in Second Term — Image: The Verge

Kentucky Rally Remarks on Presidential Power

During a rally on Saturday, October 17th, in Highland Heights, Kentucky, Donald Trump [bragged](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/17/trump-touts-his-power-at-kentucky-rally-ahead-of-midterms.html) about how much more powerful and influential he was during his second term. While listing off his accomplishments, he emphasized his expanded authority and ability to enact major changes compared to his initial time in office.

The former and current president spoke at length about his administration's actions, noting that his second term represents a much stronger political position where he can execute decisions that were previously out of reach or met with resistance from major corporations and institutions.

Comments on Google and Corporate Access

While detailing his achievements during the Kentucky event, Trump specifically addressed his interactions with major technology platforms, focusing heavily on search giant Google. Trump stated that during his first term, the company would not have taken his phone call, but things have dramatically shifted.

As reported by [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/policy/1013485/trump-google-kiss-my-ass), Trump remarked during the rally: "This is a much more powerful term. I can do stuff that’s unbelievable… I called Google, Google Maps. See, Google wouldn’t have taken my call in the first term. Now they kiss my ass."

Geographic Renaming Claims and Policy Reality

Trump's comments at the rally tied into broader administration efforts regarding geographic features, specifically mentioning his decisions to rename the [Gulf of Mexico](https://www.theverge.com/news/609772/google-maps-gulf-of-america-rename-mexico) and [Lake Ontario](https://www.theverge.com/policy/986527/google-capitulates-in-trumps-attempt-to-rename-lake-ontario). By bringing up these adjustments, Trump implied that he personally convinced Google to reflect the name changes on its digital map products.

However, Trump's implication appears to run counter to [Google’s statement](https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/maps/gnis-lake-ontario-lake-america-name-change/) on the subject. The company previously explained that its map adjustments simply reflect official government sources, noting that it relies on GNIS for the United States and follows its established long-standing policy for bodies of water with names that vary across different countries.

Silicon Valley Engagement During the Second Term

Throughout Trump's second term, leadership across Silicon Valley has shifted its approach toward the administration. Executives, including Google CEO [Sundar Pichai](https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/27/24280799/sundar-sundar-whos-a-great-guy-very-smart), have made concerted efforts to ingratiate themselves with the president.

Tech leaders have navigated the political landscape by offering various forms of engagement, ranging from physical [gifts](https://www.theverge.com/news/737757/apple-president-donald-trump-ceo-tim-cook-glass-corning) and public [compliments](https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/31/24282719/tech-leaders-trump-jeff-bezos-zuckerberg-pichai) to financial [donations to his pet projects](https://www.theverge.com/policy/1012047/nvidia-apple-google-microsoft-amazon-meta-trump-ballroom). Representatives for Google did not immediately return a request for comment regarding the rally remarks.