In a freewheeling exchange with reporters following a World Cup match at the Meadowlands, former President Donald Trump jumped between topics ranging from tariffs and interest rates to Ukraine and Rosie O’Donnell, touting his administration’s economic legacy while lashing out at global allies and domestic critics alike.
Trump began by praising the “tremendous” soccer match calling it “a bit of an upset” and looking ahead to the Olympics and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. “Maybe the biggest one of all,” he said.
From there, Trump launched into an impromptu review of his administration’s trade policies, claiming the U.S. brought in $25 million this month from tariffs on steel, aluminum, and lumber. “Our country is making a lot of money, a lot of money for the first time in a long time,” he declared.
He repeated criticisms of longstanding trade partners, accusing Japan of blocking U.S. car and agricultural exports and alleging that South Korea is “paying a substantial tariff” and eager for a new deal. The European Union, he claimed, now wants to “open up their country” to U.S. goods.
Turning to defense, Trump addressed the possibility of sending Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, saying a decision had not been made but noting, “they do need protection.” He sharply criticized European countries for not contributing enough to Ukraine’s defense, calling the EU “fake” and adding, “We’re not seeing anything from them.”
He also voiced rare criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying: “I am very disappointed with President Putin. I thought he was somebody that meant what he said. And he’ll talk so beautifully and then he’ll bomb people at night. We don’t like that.”
The former president reaffirmed his belief that NATO should be paying more to support U.S. military involvement. “We’re going to send them areas. They’re going to pay us to get [them],” he said, offering few specifics.
On monetary policy, Trump delivered a scathing attack on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, accusing him of harming the U.S. economy with high interest rates. “Jerome Powell is very bad for our country,” he said. “We should have the lowest interest rate on Earth.” He criticized Powell for a $2.5 million building renovation, mocked the Federal Reserve’s economic forecasting, and estimated that “every point [of interest] costs us $360 billion.”
Trump also took aim at political opponents. He accused California Gov. Gavin Newsom of “fighting against men and women’s sports” and questioned, “Does he hate women?” He also responded to comedian Rosie O’Donnell’s recent remarks blaming him for her personal struggles, referencing “TDS” — Trump Derangement Syndrome — and joking it might become a formal mental health diagnosis.
Throughout the interaction, Trump returned to familiar themes: a roaring U.S. economy under his leadership, frustration with international institutions, distrust of the Fed, and personal loyalty. “We have a country that was dead and gone one year ago, and now we have the hottest country in the world,” he proclaimed.
