In an extended gaggle with reporters on Monday morning, former President Donald Trump delivered a flurry of wide-ranging and often provocative remarks touching on artificial intelligence investments, Federal Reserve policy, global trade, and key political rivals. But it was his comments on the war in Ukraine and the release of court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that drew the most scrutiny.
Ukraine: “I’m on humanity’s side”
Pressed on his recent decision to give Russian President Vladimir Putin “50 days” to reach a peace deal before facing additional U.S. tariffs and sanctions, Trump dismissed concerns that the timeline amounted to a green light for continued Russian aggression.
“I don’t think 50 days is very long, and it could be sooner than that,” Trump said, adding, “I’m on nobody’s side… I want the killing to stop.”
Trump repeatedly blamed President Biden for what he called “this war,” calling him “a dummy” and “incompetent,” and claiming the invasion would never have occurred under his leadership. Despite being asked whether he supported sending long-range missiles to Ukraine, Trump declined to commit and pivoted instead to blaming the current administration for the conflict.
He emphasized that his main goal is to end the bloodshed, but offered no clear path for peace negotiations or specific diplomatic strategy beyond tariff threats.
Epstein Files: “Handled very well”
Trump also addressed the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, after reports indicated that his name may have appeared in newly unsealed files.
While offering few specifics, he said Attorney General Kellyanne Fitzgerald (who he appointed in 2024) had given him “a very quick briefing” on the matter and praised her handling of the issue:
“I think the Attorney General’s handled that very well… She’s really done a very good job. And it’s going to be up to her. Whatever she thinks is credible, she should release.”
Trump cast doubt on the legitimacy of the documents themselves, claiming the files were “made up by Comey,”“Obama,” and “the Bidens,” and likened the situation to what he called the “Russia hoax.”
AI Investments, Trade Wins, and Tariff Defense
Before departing for a campaign stop in Pittsburgh, Trump touted what he described as “trillions of dollars” in AI investments and major trade wins with Indonesia and India.
He claimed his deal with Indonesia would allow the U.S. “full access” to copper and other rare earth minerals without paying tariffs, while Indonesian exporters would face a 19% tariff entering the U.S.
“We had no access into any of these countries. Now we’re getting access because of what we’re doing with the tariffs,” Trump said.
Trump also downplayed recent inflation numbers, saying they were “inside the margin” and calling on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates immediately.
He again attacked Fed Chair Jerome Powell—whom he previously appointed—as “too late” and doing “a terrible job.”Asked whether he would reappoint Powell if elected, Trump replied, “I did know that,” before sidestepping the question.
Political Attacks: Schiff, AOC, Cuomo
As has become characteristic, Trump’s unscripted remarks veered into attacks on political opponents. He called Rep. Adam Schiff “a serious lowlife” and said he’d “love to see him brought to justice.”
On Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, he said she was “very nice, but very low IQ,” and joked that he would administer an IQ test between her and Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who he referred to as “rocket.”
“Now, I took my test. I took a real test at Walter Reed… I got every one of those questions right,” Trump added.
He also commented on New York’s upcoming mayoral race, suggesting former Governor Andrew Cuomo might have a shot “running against the communists.”
