‘I am a nationalist,’ Trump proclaims at Houston rally

President Donald Trump embraces Senator Ted Cruz as he arrives to the podium during the MAGA Rally at the Toyota Center, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Houston. President Donald Trump embraces Senator Ted Cruz as he arrives to the podium during the MAGA Rally at the Toyota Center, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Houston. Photo: Marie D. De Jesús, Staff Photographer Photo: Marie D. De Jesús, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 92 Caption Close ‘I am a nationalist,’ Trump proclaims at Houston rally 1 / 92 Back to Gallery

President Donald Trump surprised some onlookers by calling himself as a nationalist in his Houston speech on Monday, the first time he has ever done so, according to CNN, though others have used it to describe Trump’s populist rhetoric and his approach to foreign policy and immigration.

"I am a nationalist," Trump said, though he allowed that "we're not supposed to say that word."

The topic came up as Trump referenced the tariffs he has implemented, the need for a wall on the southern border, and U.S. exports of natural gas to Germany.

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"America is winning again. America is respected again, because we are putting America first," Trump said. "We're taking care of ourselves for once."

Moments later, he made fun of Democrats for being concerned about the perception of his administration in other countries.

"Of course I'm unpopular with foreign nations, because we're not letting them rip us off anymore, folks," Trump said, to chants from the crowd of "USA, USA."

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