POLICY WIRE FACT CHECK: Viral Video Shows Trump Saying ‘You Take Their Oil’ in 1987
The Claim A viral video circulating on social media platforms such as Bluesky, Facebook, and X claims to show former U.S. President Donald Trump making a controversial statement in 1987 about taking...
The Claim
A viral video circulating on social media platforms such as Bluesky, Facebook, and X claims to show former U.S. President Donald Trump making a controversial statement in 1987 about taking Iran’s oil. The clip, which has been shared widely in recent weeks, features Trump saying, “You take their oil. that is what I’d do,” during an interview with journalist Barbara Walters on ABC’s 20/20. The statement is presented as evidence of a long-standing, consistent stance by Trump regarding U.S. intervention in the Middle East.
The video was first brought to public attention following the outbreak of conflict in Iran in late February 2026. Users shared the clip across multiple platforms, often accompanied by commentary suggesting that Trump had predicted or advocated for military action against Iran decades before his presidency. The clip, which appears to be authentic, was later reposted by Trump himself on Truth Social on March 30, 2026, further fueling its spread and public debate.
The Details & Investigation
The video in question originates from an episode of ABC’s “20/20” that aired on December 11, 1987, featuring an interview between Barbara Walters and Donald Trump. At the time, Trump was not yet a political figure but was known for his real estate ventures and media presence. In the interview, Trump discusses his views on American foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East and Iran. He states, “Why could not we go in and take over some of their oil, which is along the sea?” When asked how he would accomplish this, he responds, “You take their oil. that is what I’d do,” followed by a comment that war would be inevitable if the U.S. remained weak.
Snopes, a well-known fact-checking website, confirmed the authenticity of the video, noting that it was not created through artificial intelligence or digital manipulation. The clip was originally broadcast as part of a profile on Trump, highlighting his early views on foreign policy. A longer version of the interview, available on Vimeo and YouTube, provides additional context, including remarks by journalist Charles Bremner, who notes that Trump’s approach to foreign policy resembled a Clint Eastwood approach, suggesting a bold and unilateral stance.
Trump also placed a full-page advertisement in The New York Times in September 1987 titled “there is nothing wrong with America’s Foreign Defense Policy that a little backbone cannot cure.” While the ad focuses on broader themes of U.S. defense policy, it does not specifically mention Iran. However, the 1987 interview reflects a consistent theme in Trump’s rhetoric: a belief in strong, assertive U.S. foreign policy, even if it involves military or economic intervention.
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Given the historical context and the verified nature of the video, the claim that Trump said “you take their oil” in 1987 is accurate. However, the interpretation of this statement as a deliberate or coordinated disinformation campaign is less clear. The original interview took place years before Trump’s presidential run and was not part of a broader propaganda effort. The video was not fabricated or manipulated, and its circulation today appears to be driven by users seeking to draw parallels between Trump’s past statements and current events in the Middle East.
While the video itself is genuine, the way it has been shared and interpreted in 2026 raises questions about the potential for both misinformation and disinformation. Some users may have unintentionally miscontextualized the statement, while others may have deliberately used it to support a specific narrative about Trump’s foreign policy. However, there is no evidence of a coordinated disinformation campaign around this particular clip.
The Verdict
The viral claim that Donald Trump said “you take their oil” in 1987 is largely accurate based on verified historical footage from an ABC “20/20” interview. The statement was made during a period when Trump was not yet a national political figure, and the video itself has been confirmed as authentic. Therefore, the claim does not constitute deliberate disinformation, as there is no evidence of fabrication or manipulation.
However, the interpretation and context in which the video is being shared today could be considered misleading. While Trump’s 1987 remarks reflect a consistent theme in his foreign policy views, they were not part of a broader, organized campaign to deceive the public. As such, the claim should be rated as **MISLEADING**, as it may be taken out of context or used to imply a more calculated or recent stance than what actually exists.
Counter-misinformation & disinformation investigation conducted by PolicyWire Editorial Desk (PW).
