ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard his plane, addressed a wide range of topics in a freewheeling gaggle, including tensions in Gaza, international tariffs, domestic violence, and ongoing fallout related to Jeffrey Epstein.
On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Trump responded to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s comments about the slow delivery of aid by stating, “Israel wants to do it,” and suggested that delays were due to concerns about Hamas interference. “They don’t want Hamas stealing the money or stealing the food,” he added. Trump also affirmed the U.S. commitment to delivering aid, stating, “Gaza children are starving… we are going to get them food.”
Trump briefly referenced a recent economic deal with the European Union, saying, “I think they made a good deal. We all made a good deal. Why are you hearing otherwise?”
On trade, Trump reaffirmed his position on tariffs with India, noting they would remain between 20–25%. “India has charged more in tariffs than any other country over the years,” he said. “Now I am in charge and you just can’t do that.”
Asked about a reported meeting between businessman Howard Lutnick and Chinese officials, Trump said he had spoken to Treasury Secretary Bessent and “felt good” about the exchange. He also confirmed plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping by year’s end.
The president also addressed the recent Wall Street Journal case and media coverage surrounding it. He criticized the press, saying he was being targeted by “gossip” reporters, and suggested that Rupert Murdoch “maybe doesn’t really control” the newspaper. He added, “When I’m treated wrong, I do something about it.”
Trump responded to a question about the late financier Jeffrey Epstein by again denying any wrongdoing, noting that Epstein had “taken people who worked for me,” and saying he had told him to “stay the hell out of here.” He dismissed an NBC reporter’s question on the topic by calling the network “fake news.” Trump also commented on reports that women were hired out of the Mar-a-Lago spa, saying he wasn’t sure if Virginia Giuffre was one of them but added, “She had no complaints about us.”
Asked about a recent story involving a Secret Service agent’s spouse, Trump replied, “I don’t know… that’s a strange one.”
Turning to recent events in New York City, Trump confirmed he had spoken to Mayor Eric Adams following a high-profile shooting, calling the event “terrible.”
Regarding the new Air Force One, Trump said it would be ready by February, though he deferred cost details to the military. He called the new model “one of the best planes in the world” and criticized the current aircraft as outdated and hard to maintain. “It doesn’t show well for the United States,” he said. Trump also claimed the Obama administration wanted the same model but was willing to pay too much.
Trump again took aim at renewable energy, particularly wind turbines near his golf course, calling them “a disgrace” and saying they decrease property values. “They cost a lot of money,” he said, adding, “Every windmill needs subsidies from the government… it’s a terrible thing.” He argued that the U.K. could reduce energy costs by 70% by tapping into North Sea oil instead.
On sanctions against Russia, Trump said the next deadline was 10 to 12 days away and downplayed concerns about energy markets. “Oil is down pretty low, right now,” he said, “we’ll step it up even further.”
He also briefly commented on political violence, reflecting on the recent assassination attempt against him. “Maybe, maybe not,” he said when asked if the attempt changed him. “I can’t afford to think about it.”
The President concluded with brief remarks on healthcare, saying independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and HHS officials were “true activists” and “going with the science.”
