President Donald Trump sat for a wide-ranging interview with TIME on April 22, touching on tariffs, peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia, the Iran nuclear deal, wanting Canada to become a US state and more. The sitdown included Trump saying he would sign a ban on members of Congress trading stocks, that he doesn’t want to use “loopholes” to run for a third term and that he has not asked El Salvador to return a mistakenly deported undocumented immigrant. He rejected the idea that he is expanding the powers of the presidency, saying he is using the office, “as it was meant to be used” in his second term. “What I’m doing is exactly what I’ve campaigned on,” he said. The president also treaded on some familiar themes, including claiming, without evidence, that there was “cheating” in the 2020 and 2024 elections and that tariffs are good for the country. Here are nine moments that stuck out from the transcript of TIME’s Trump interview: 1) Trump says he’s made “200 deals” on trade, that 50% tariffs would be a “total victory” Trump said in the interview that he’s made “200 deals” with companies and countries after pausing new tariffs on countries. But the White House hasn’t announced any of them, and Trump declined to detail any specific deals. Additionally, Trump said if the US still had tariffs of 50% on foreign countries a year from now, he’d still consider that a “total victory” because “the country would be making a fortune.” Asked why he hasn’t announced the deals that have been agreed to, Trump said trade negotiations would be wrapped up in the next few weeks. Trump initiated the 90-day pause on April 9. “I would say, over the next three to four weeks, and we’re finished,” he said. “We’ll be finished.” Still, Trump left himself room for flexibility, saying some negotiations may continue beyond that benchmark: “Some countries may come back and ask for an adjustment, and I’ll consider that.” 2) Trump says Xi has called him, while Chinese officials continue denying trade talks are happening Trump maintained in the interview that talks are ongoing with China on tariffs, though Chinese officials are firmly stating the opposite. Trump even said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has called him, saying: “He’s called. And I don’t think that’s a sign of weakness on his behalf.” Trump did not offer specifics on the call or when it took place. However, when pressed by CNN Friday morning on if Trump has spoken to Xi since tariffs were implemented on Beijing, he declined to comment. “I don’t want to comment on that, but I’ve spoken to him many times,” Trump said in response to CNN’s Alayna Treene when leaving the South Lawn. 3) Trump has not asked Bukele to return Abrego Garcia Trump told TIME that he has not asked El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele to send back Kilmar Abrego Garcia — an undocumented immigrant that US officials mistakenly deported to El Salvador — despite a Supreme Court ruling that said the Trump administration had to “facilitate” his return. “I haven’t,” Trump said. “He said he wouldn’t.” Trump generally deferred to Justice Department lawyers on most of TIME’s questions regarding Abrego Garcia’s status, including saying it was up to the attorneys if they want to start facilitating any return of Abrego Garcia. “At this moment, they just don’t want to do that. They say we’re in total compliance with the Supreme Court,” he said. 4) Trump “not trolling” on Canada becoming a 51st state Trump indicated to TIME that he is serious about making Canada the 51st US state — a message the allied nation has repeatedly bristled at. “I’m really not trolling,” Trump said. “We’re taking care of their military. We’re taking care of every aspect of their lives, and we don’t need them to make cars for us. In fact, we don’t want them to make cars for us,” Trump said. “We don’t need their lumber. We don’t need their energy. We don’t need anything from Canada. And I say the only way this thing really works is for Canada to become a state.” Trump added that he “wouldn’t mind” if his legacy as president included the expansion of territory. 5) Trump doesn’t want to use “loopholes” to run for a third term The president has publicly flirted with running for president again in 2028, in violation of the 22nd Amendment that says presidents can only serve two terms. He indicated to TIME that while there are “some loopholes that have been discussed” to allow him to run again, he doesn’t “believe in using loopholes.” “I have more people begging me to run again, but I haven’t looked at even the possibility,” Trump added. Those statements run counter to comments Trump made at the end of March, when he said he was “not joking” about the possibility of running for a third term. The Trump Store, which is run by the Trump Organization, also started selling “Trump 2028” hats earlier this week. 6) Trump would veto significant cuts to Medicaid If Republicans in Congress pass a party-line bill that involves large cuts to Medicaid, Trump vowed in the interview to veto it. GOP congressional leaders have said the planned cuts would only be from waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid, but experts have questioned if those reductions would really add up to the $800 billion price tag that GOP leaders are aiming for in their party-line bill. Trump reiterated the goals to only cut “waste, fraud and abuse” in the interview, but said he would veto the bill if it involved other cuts to the program — likely welcome news to centrist Republican lawmakers who have said they would not back big cuts to Medicaid. 7) Trump says “Crimea will stay with Russia” in reversal of US policy, says Ukraine won’t “ever be able to join NATO” As part of the peace proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump said “Crimea will stay with Russia” — which would breach international law that generally does not recognize forced territorial acquisitions. It would also contradict the first Trump administration’s own statement reaffirming “as policy its refusal to recognize the Kremlin’s claims of sovereignty over territory seized by force in contravention of international law.” “If Crimea will stay with Russia — we have to only talk about Crimea because that’s the one that always gets mentioned. Crimea will stay with Russia. And Zelensky understands that, and everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time,” Trump said. Publicly, Zelensky has indicated that recognizing the occupation of Crimea is a red line for him in negotiations. He told reporters earlier this week: “Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There is nothing to talk about. It is against our constitution.” Putin invaded Crimea in February 2014. Trump also said Ukraine’s attempts to join NATO sparked Russia’s invasion — and the president said he doesn’t think Ukraine will “ever be able to join NATO.” 8) Trump doesn’t rule out wading into Middle East war Trump told TIME he wasn’t worried about Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dragging the US into a potential future war with Iran, because he would go “willingly” if they couldn’t reach a nuclear deal with Iran. “I may go in very willingly if we can’t get a deal. If we don’t make a deal, I’ll be leading the pack,” Trump said, referring to the ongoing talks with Iran about a nuclear deal. Trump also denied reporting from the New York Times that he waved Israel off from attacking Iran during nuclear talks. “I didn’t stop them. But I didn’t make it comfortable for them, because I think we can make a deal without the attack,” Trump told TIME. 9) Trump thinks Saudi Arabia may join Abraham Accords Trump also said that he believes that Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords, an agreement from Trump’s first term aimed at promoting peace in the Middle East, which was initially signed by Israel and the UAE. “I tell you what: I think Saudi Arabia will go into the Abraham Accords,” he said. Trump travels to Saudi Arabia next month on his second foreign trip. “We had four countries in there, it was all set. We would have had it packed. Now we’re going to start it again,” Trump said.
Annexing Canada, Xi calls, no third term ‘loopholes’: 9 things we learned from TIME’s Trump interview
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trump Discusses Trade, International Relations, and Political Future in TIME Interview"
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TruthLens AI Summary
In a recent interview with TIME, President Donald Trump discussed a variety of topics, including trade policies, international relations, and his political ambitions. Trump claimed to have made approximately 200 trade deals during his presidency, although he did not provide specific details or official announcements regarding these agreements. He expressed a belief that maintaining tariffs at 50% on foreign goods would be advantageous for the U.S. economy, framing it as a 'total victory.' Furthermore, he asserted that discussions with China regarding tariffs are ongoing, despite Chinese officials denying such negotiations are taking place. Trump also touched upon his controversial stance on Canada, suggesting that the country should become the 51st state of the U.S., which he defended by stating that the U.S. does not require resources from Canada. He insisted that this was not a jest but a serious proposal aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.
The interview also revealed Trump's views on domestic policies and international conflicts. He indicated that he would veto any significant cuts to Medicaid proposed by Congress, emphasizing that he supports only cuts related to waste and fraud. Trump made headlines by stating that Crimea would remain with Russia, a significant shift from previous U.S. policy, which does not recognize territorial acquisitions made through force. Additionally, he expressed skepticism about Ukraine's prospects of joining NATO, attributing the Russian invasion to Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership. On Middle Eastern policy, Trump expressed a willingness to engage in potential conflicts if necessary, particularly regarding Iran, while remaining optimistic about Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords. Overall, the interview underscored Trump's intent to remain influential in U.S. politics and international affairs, as he navigates complex issues while hinting at future electoral ambitions without explicitly seeking to exploit constitutional loopholes for a third term.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides insights from a recent interview with former President Donald Trump, highlighting his views on trade, political maneuvers, and various international issues. The content reflects Trump's ongoing narrative and emphasizes his positions, which are aimed at consolidating support among his base while also shaping public perception regarding key issues.
Intent Behind the Publication
The primary purpose of this article appears to be to reinforce Trump's image as a strong leader who is actively engaged in complex international matters and domestic policies. By showcasing his claims about trade deals and tariffs, the article aims to rally support from those who favor protectionist economic measures. Additionally, presenting his desire to annex Canada may be a provocative statement intended to engage his core supporters and spark discussions around national sovereignty.
Public Perception and Community Impact
This article seems to target Trump's supporters, particularly those who appreciate his straightforward, sometimes controversial approach to policy. It reinforces a narrative of strength and decisiveness, which resonates with a segment of the population that feels disenfranchised by traditional politics. However, it may also alienate those who view such statements as reckless or unfounded.
Omission of Details
There may be an underlying intention to obscure the lack of concrete evidence supporting Trump's claims, such as his assertion of trade agreements and election fraud. By focusing on sensational aspects like the annexation of Canada, the article could distract readers from critical scrutiny of his policies and past actions.
Manipulative Elements
The article contains elements that could be considered manipulative, particularly in the way it presents Trump's assertions without substantial evidence. The language used may incite a sense of urgency and concern among readers, particularly regarding tariffs and national security, which can lead to heightened emotional responses rather than rational discourse.
Credibility of the Information
While the article reports on Trump's statements, it lacks verification of the claims made, particularly regarding trade deals. Trump's history of making exaggerated or unfounded assertions raises questions about the reliability of the information presented. Thus, the article's credibility is compromised by its failure to provide context or counterpoints to Trump's claims.
Comparison with Other Articles
When compared to other media coverage of Trump's administration, this article may reflect a trend where certain outlets emphasize his more controversial statements while minimizing discussions of policy implications or public backlash. This selective reporting can create a skewed understanding of public sentiment and policy effectiveness.
Potential Scenarios
The statements made in this article could influence public opinion and political discourse, potentially galvanizing support for Trump as he navigates future electoral campaigns. If his trade policies or annexation ideas gain traction, it could lead to significant shifts in U.S.-Canada relations and impact the economy, especially in sectors reliant on trade.
Support Base
The language and themes presented in this article are likely to resonate more with conservative audiences, particularly those who prioritize nationalism and economic protectionism. The article may also appeal to individuals who feel that Trump’s straightforwardness contrasts with political correctness prevalent in mainstream politics.
Market Impact
The implications of Trump's statements regarding tariffs and trade could influence stock markets, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture. Companies that rely heavily on imports or exports may react to the uncertainties presented in the interview, affecting their stock performance in the short term.
Global Power Dynamics
Trump's comments on annexing Canada and his stance on trade suggest a more aggressive U.S. approach to international relations, which could shift global power dynamics. This aligns with current debates on nationalism versus globalization, reflecting broader trends in global politics.
Use of AI in Writing
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, if AI were involved, it could have influenced the framing of Trump’s comments to align with specific narrative techniques, such as emphasizing controversy or sensationalism to engage readers.
The article reflects a complex interplay of political rhetoric and media influence, aiming to shape public perception in favor of Trump while potentially glossing over critical analysis of his policies and claims. Given the lack of substantiation for many statements and the sensational framing, the reliability of the information is questionable.