President Trump faced criticism on social media and from journalists after claiming the United States has a "shared political and cultural history" with Italy because of ancient Rome.

During a press conference with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Trump noted that Italy and the U.S. are bound together through shared ties to the ancient city, saying, "The United States and Italy are bound together by a shared cultural and political heritage dating back thousands of years to ancient Rome."

The Founding Fathers of the U.S. had a well-documented affinity for the Roman republic, evidence of which is prevalent in American representative government and civic architecture.

After his remarks on Wednesday, however, many people interpreted Trump's words to mean that the U.S. and ancient Rome had been allies.

"He literally said the US & Italy share heritage dating back thousands of years to Ancient Rome 2 days after the 527 year anniversary of Columbus’ arrival," said radio personality John Fugelsang. "And then the White House twitter account repeated it."

He literally said the US & Italy share heritage dating back thousands of years to Ancient Rome 2 days after the 527 year anniversary of Columbus’ arrival.



And then the White House twitter account repeated it. https://t.co/yrdlHjqvId — John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) October 16, 2019

"Ancient Rome? Is he serious? The United States is 243 years old, Ancient Rome was THOUSANDS of years ago....hence the 'Ancient,'" another user said.

Ancient Rome? Is he serious? The United States is 243 years old, Ancient Rome was THOUSANDS of years ago....hence the “Ancient”. 🙄 https://t.co/zvscHXOwGD — Dawn O'Brien (@bluejay6537) October 16, 2019

Noting several other instances in Trump's contentious day, political analyst Bill Palmer suggested that the president "thinks the United States was around during the time of 'Ancient Rome.'"

Donald Trump’s day so far:



- Attacks Nancy Pelosi to her face

- Sends totally bonkers letter to President of Turkey

- Thinks the United States was around during the time of "Ancient Rome"

- What the fuck is wrong with this guy?

- Trump is going to prison

- It’s still only 5:30pm — Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) October 16, 2019

Writer and former Obama employee offered his own condemning twist on Trump's comment. "FACT CHECK: The United States of America (1776 – present) never had ties with Ancient Rome (753 B.C. – 476 A.D)."

FACT CHECK: The United States of America (1776 – present) never had ties with Ancient Rome (753 B.C. – 476 A.D) https://t.co/os14sYf5JN — Jacopo della Quercia (@Jacopo_della_Q) October 16, 2019

Others came to Trump's defense, noting that Trump had not actually said that the U.S. dates back to the time of ancient Rome. "He said 'The United States and Italy are bound together by a shared cultural and political heritage dating back thousands of years to Ancient Rome.', which is true. Perhaps you need to take Western Civ 101 again, if you ever did."

He said "“The United States and Italy are bound together by a shared cultural and political heritage dating back thousands of years to Ancient Rome.", which is true. Perhaps you need to take Western Civ 101 again, if you ever did. https://t.co/oKrevWvEGj — Phineas Fahrquar (@irishspy) October 16, 2019