Trump Says 'We're in a Trade War with China Now' (Q&A)

The transcript details discussions on various topics, including efforts to halt drug trafficking by sea and land, the effectiveness of interdictions, and the substantial number of lives saved by these actions. There's also a focus on international relations, specifically concerning potential World Cup relocation from a city due to its leadership's performance, and discussions about a nation's oil purchases from another, leading to assurances of future compliance. The conversation then shifts to domestic issues, such as the alleged weaponization of federal law enforcement against political opponents, accusations of criminal activity, and criticism of judicial leniency in violent crime cases. Finally, the speaker addresses international trade policies, particularly the use of tariffs as a national security tool and their role in peace negotiations and economic strength.

The speaker elaborates on strategies to combat drug cartels, highlighting the near-total cessation of sea-based drug transport and the focus now shifting to land interdiction. The effectiveness of these measures is quantified, with each interdicted boat cited as saving an estimated 25,000 American lives. This proactive approach is contrasted with previous "politically correct" methods that proved ineffective. The conversation also touches on potential repercussions for cities hosting major international sporting events if they fail to address internal issues, and reiterates a commitment to investigating facts over conspiracy theories in criminal cases.

Furthermore, the transcript extensively covers accusations of the weaponization of the Department of Justice against a political opponent, describing it as the "worst weaponization" in history and a "criminal" act. The speaker criticizes specific individuals and past administrations for their actions, contrasting them with their own approach to restoring justice. The importance of fair elections and secure borders is emphasized, alongside a strong belief in the power of tariffs to bolster national security, promote peace, and foster economic prosperity, citing historical examples of their success in de-escalating conflicts and negotiating favorable trade deals.

• Drug trafficking by sea has been significantly curtailed, with the focus now shifting to land interdiction.
• Interdicting boats is framed as saving 25,000 American lives per boat, highlighting the life-saving impact of these operations.
• Cities hosting major sporting events could face relocation if their leadership fails to address issues adequately.
• Accusations of the weaponization of federal law enforcement and the DOJ against political opponents are a central theme, described as unprecedented and criminal.
• Tariffs are presented as a critical tool for national security, economic strength, and facilitating peace negotiations, with past successes cited.

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Stopping Drug Trafficking at Sea and Land [00:00]

• The previous method of stopping drug traffickers at sea for 30 years was ineffective due to faster boats.
• Currently, nearly all drugs are no longer coming in through the seas, with some areas seeing zero boat traffic.
• The focus is now shifting to stopping drugs by land.
• Every boat interdicted is claimed to save 25,000 American lives, as these boats are filled with fentanyl, which kills the population.
• The sight of fentanyl bags floating in the ocean after boats are hit is described as evidence of the lives being saved.

The strategy has successfully shifted from ineffective maritime interdiction to controlling drug flow via the sea, with future efforts focusing on land-based interdiction. The speaker emphasizes the life-saving impact of these actions, citing a significant number of lives saved per interdicted vessel.

Every boat is saving 25,000 lives.

International Sporting Events and Leadership [03:02]

• Cities with problematic mayors or leadership may face the risk of having major sporting events, like the World Cup, moved elsewhere.
• The speaker mentions considering taking the World Cup away from Boston if issues are not addressed, indicating a leverage point for ensuring responsible governance.
• This concept also applies to other events, such as the Olympics.

The speaker asserts the authority to influence the location of major international sporting events, such as the World Cup, based on the performance and responsiveness of local leadership, using Boston as a potential example. This approach suggests a desire for effective governance in cities hosting significant global events.

If we think that there's any reason that whether it's Boston or anywhere else that they're not doing their job, we're going to take those World Cup games and move them someplace else.

FBI Investigations and Facts [03:45]

• The FBI and Department of Justice focus solely on facts, not conspiracy theories.
• An alleged assassin was captured in 33 hours, a speed that contrasts with a 5-day manhunt in another case where a police officer lost their life.
• The priority is to prosecute all involved individuals to the fullest extent of the law.

The FBI's approach is to rely strictly on factual evidence and pursue swift justice, as demonstrated by the rapid apprehension of an alleged assassin. The commitment is to ensure accountability for all responsible parties.

The only thing we deal with at the FBI and the Department of Justice is facts.

India's Oil Purchases and Russia [04:36]

• There was unhappiness with India buying oil from Russia, as it allows Russia to continue its war.
• Russia has reportedly lost a significant number of soldiers (1.5 million).
• The war is described as one that should never have started and Russia should have won quickly.
• Assurances have been received that India will no longer purchase oil from Russia.

The speaker expresses satisfaction that India will cease purchasing oil from Russia, viewing this as a significant step in curtailing the financial resources supporting the ongoing conflict. This diplomatic success is seen as paving the way for similar actions from other nations.

So I was not happy that India was buying oil and he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia.

Venezuela's Actions and Border Policy [05:50]

• The speaker authorized CIA action due to Venezuela emptying its prisons and sending prisoners to the United States.
• This influx is attributed to an open border policy.
• Venezuela is accused of being a severe abuser, allowing thousands of prisoners, mentally ill individuals, and those from insane asylums to enter the U.S.
• Drugs are also a significant problem coming from Venezuela, with many entering through the sea.
• Measures are being taken to stop them by land as well.

The decision to authorize CIA action against Venezuela is explained by two primary factors: the country's expulsion of prisoners and individuals with mental health issues into the U.S. due to an open border policy, and the significant flow of drugs into the country, particularly via maritime routes.

They have emptied their prisons into the United States of America.

Stopping Drug Trafficking by Sea and Land [06:38]

• Efforts to stop drug trafficking from Venezuela by sea are ongoing.
• Measures are also being implemented to stop them by land.
• The sea has been brought under control, with days now passing without any boats being found.
• This success is viewed positively, despite previous significant drug flow by boat.

The strategy against drug trafficking from Venezuela has successfully controlled maritime routes, with a new emphasis now being placed on interdicting these activities on land. This shift marks a significant achievement in securing the borders against illicit activities.

But we're going to stop them by land also.

CIA Authority and Leadership in Venezuela [06:41]

• The question of whether the CIA has authority to take out Venezuela's leader is dismissed as a "ridiculous question" to answer.
• Venezuela is described as "feeling heat," along with other countries.
• The speaker reiterates a commitment to not let the country be "ruined" by others sending their "worst" elements.

The speaker deflects a direct question about the CIA's authority to eliminate a foreign leader, while asserting that Venezuela and other nations are facing pressure. The core message is a firm stance against allowing other countries to offload their problematic populations onto the United States.

I don't want to answer a question like that.

Information on Intercepted Boats [07:34]

• Concerns have been raised by Republicans and Democrats about the information provided in briefings regarding intercepted boats.
• The speaker assures that the boats were loaded with drugs and are therefore "fair game."
• These are described as extremely fast, record-setting speedboats that cost a lot of money due to their involvement in drug sales.
• Evidence of "fentanyl dust" is found on the boats after bombs are used.

The intercepted boats, described as high-speed vessels carrying significant quantities of drugs, are deemed legitimate targets. The presence of fentanyl dust on these vessels serves as concrete evidence of their illicit cargo and the justification for their interdiction.

And every one of those ships were and they're not ships, they're they're boats, they're speedboats.

Information on Boats and Seizure [08:17]

• Detailed information about each boat is known before it goes out.
• This "deep strong information" is available.

The intelligence gathered on drug-smuggling boats is thorough and obtained prior to their departure, allowing for informed interdiction efforts. This detailed knowledge is crucial for the success of operations.

We know we have uh much information about each boat that goes out.

Message to President Zelenskyy and the War in Ukraine [08:29]

• President Zelenskyy is expected to visit.
• The speaker is "not a fan of the war" and believes it should never have happened, stating it would not have started if they were president.
• The election was "rigged," leading to the war and loss of lives.
• The goal is to save lives and end the war.

The speaker expresses a strong disapproval of the war in Ukraine, attributing its initiation to a "rigged" election and emphasizing the significant loss of life. The primary objective is to save lives and bring the conflict to an end.

I'm not a fan of the war.

Saving Lives and Preventing Nuclear War [09:09]

• The speaker claims to have been involved in eight wars, but focuses on saving lives.
• A prime minister of Pakistan stated that the speaker "saved millions of lives," referring to preventing a potential nuclear war with India.
• Seven aircraft were shot down during that tense period.

The speaker highlights their role in preventing a large-scale conflict, specifically a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan, by asserting their influence and diplomatic actions, which are credited with saving millions of lives.

He says, "The president saved millions of lives."

Investigation into Government Weaponization [10:01]

• The FBI Director and Attorney General are present.
• Jim Jordan has requested Jack Smith to appear before the House Judiciary.
• "Deranged Jack" is called a "deranged individual."
• The concern is the "worst weaponization" of federal law enforcement against a political opponent.

The speaker vehemently criticizes the alleged weaponization of the Department of Justice against political opponents, labeling the actions of individuals involved as criminal and the overall situation as the most severe instance of such misuse of power in history.

I think it was the worst weaponization of a political opponent in the history of the world, let alone this country.

Illegal House Raid and Legal Proceedings [12:10]

• The speaker's house in Florida was raided illegally.
• A lawsuit related to this raid was progressing well.
• The speaker is now the president and questions how to settle a lawsuit against oneself, finding it a peculiar situation.

The speaker describes an illegal raid on their home in Florida, highlighting the personal and legal complexities arising from this action while holding the presidency. The narrative emphasizes the perceived injustice and unusual circumstances of the situation.

They raided my house in Florida, it was an illegal raid.

Hunter Biden and Autopen Use [13:04]

• The speaker points to Hunter Biden as an example of "corrupt people."
• The use of an "autopen" for signing documents is mentioned, specifically for commissions for admirals and generals.
• The speaker notes a significant increase in these signings, attributing it to Democrat obstruction.
• Senator John Thune is credited with a great job despite having to do "tough things."

The speaker criticizes individuals like Hunter Biden and points to perceived procedural issues, such as the use of an autopen for official signatures, which they link to political obstruction. They also commend Senator John Thune for navigating difficult political circumstances.

You look at Hunter Biden.

Schumer Shutdown and Democrat Obstruction [13:51]

• The current shutdown is blamed on Democrat Schumer.
• Schumer is accused of trying to regain relevance for the party, being a "loser" who has "always been sort of a loser."
• The speaker hopes their own IQ is not declining like Schumer's.

The speaker attributes the government shutdown to Senator Schumer, characterizing him as a political figure attempting to regain relevance and criticizing his past performance and perceived decline in intelligence.

This is a Democrat Schumer shutdown.

Judge's Decision on Violent Crime [14:13]

• A judge gave two teenagers probation for beating up an ex-staffer, with no jail time.
• This is deemed "not justice" and "terrible."
• The judge should be "ashamed of himself."
• The system is failing because people are protected by "radical left judges."

The speaker expresses strong disapproval of a judge's decision to grant probation to teenagers involved in a violent assault, arguing that such leniency undermines justice and encourages further criminal behavior. The criticism is directed at perceived bias within the judicial system.

I think the judge should be ashamed of himself.

India's Prime Minister Modi and Oil from Russia [15:31]

• The conversation includes a report from someone returning from India about conversations with Prime Minister Modi.
• Modi is described as a "great man" who "loves Trump."
• Assurances were given that India would not purchase oil from Russia.
• This is framed as a "breaking story" that could happen soon.

The speaker shares positive interactions with India's Prime Minister Modi, highlighting assurances that India will cease purchasing oil from Russia, which is seen as a significant development in international relations and the ongoing conflict.

He's assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia.

Hamas Hostages and Deceased Individuals [18:55]

• There is an ongoing effort to return deceased hostages.
• The process is described as "gruesome," involving digging and finding bodies.
• Bodies are being found in rubble and tunnels, some of which are very small (3 feet high).
• Hamas is reported to have killed approximately 70,000 people.

The speaker details the grim and extensive process of recovering deceased hostages, emphasizing the challenging conditions and the scale of the recovery efforts. The conflict is characterized by immense loss of life attributed to Hamas.

It's a gruesome process.

Hamas Disarmament and Iran's Nuclear Capability [20:07]

• The head of CENTCOM suggested Hamas needs to disarm.
• The speaker believes the U.S. military will not need to be directly involved in Gaza.
• Previous actions to destroy Iran's nuclear capability are highlighted as crucial for regional peace.
• The Iran deal is seen as detrimental because it emboldened Iran.

The speaker expresses confidence that direct U.S. military intervention in Gaza will be unnecessary, emphasizing the importance of disarming Hamas and referencing past actions against Iran's nuclear program as instrumental in preventing wider conflict.

We won't need the US military.

B2 Bombers and Iran's Nuclear Ambitions [21:23]

• The speaker praises the B2 bomber as a powerful weapon.
• Iran's nuclear ambitions are discussed, with the speaker asserting that Iran is not currently focused on developing nuclear weapons due to other pressing issues.
• Any attempt to develop nuclear weapons would result in the site being attacked and wiped out.

The discussion touches on the advanced capabilities of the B2 bomber and reassures that Iran's immediate focus is not on nuclear weapons, with a strong warning that any such attempt would be met with decisive force.

Obliterated is not a strong enough word actually.

Tariffs as a National Security and Trade Tool [23:49]

• The U.S. is currently in a trade war with China, with 100% tariffs in place.
• Tariffs are deemed essential for national defense and security.
• The speaker claims to have ended six wars through the use of tariffs.
• Tariffs are credited with keeping peace and preventing wars from raging worldwide.

The speaker strongly advocates for tariffs as a fundamental tool for national security, economic defense, and conflict prevention, asserting that their strategic implementation has been instrumental in de-escalating global conflicts and protecting the nation's interests.

Tariffs are a very important tool for our defense, for our national security.

Supreme Court Case and Economic Impact [25:39]

• A significant case is pending in the Supreme Court that could determine the nation's financial future.
• Winning this case is crucial for maintaining economic power.
• Losing could lead to a "troubled financial mess."
• The speaker believes tariffs are the reason for current economic strength and dominance over China in areas like AI.

The outcome of a critical Supreme Court case is presented as paramount to the nation's economic survival and future prosperity, with tariffs being identified as a key driver of current economic success and global competitiveness.

If we don't win that case we will be a weakened troubled financial mess for many many years to come.

European Union Trade and Tariffs [27:05]

• The European Union has been unfair in trade, not accepting U.S. cars or agriculture.
• They tariff U.S. products while sending their own products like Mercedes and BMW to the U.S.
• A major deal was made with Europe worth $650 billion, which has "evened it out."
• Similar agreements have been reached with Japan and South Korea.

The speaker highlights successful trade negotiations with the European Union and other nations, achieved through the strategic use of tariffs, which have resulted in significant financial gains and a more equitable trade balance.

And uh we've evened it out.

Weaponization of the DOJ and Political Opponents [30:48]

• The media is accused of claiming the current administration is weaponizing the DOJ, which is called the opposite.
• The past four years are described as a "complete abomination" of the DOJ, particularly against President Trump.
• Alvin Bragg's office and Jack Smith's special counsel team are criticized for being staffed by DOJ prosecutors.
• The speaker believes their administration is restoring justice and doing the "right thing."

The speaker vehemently denies weaponizing the Department of Justice, instead accusing previous administrations and specific prosecutors of egregious misuse of power against political opponents. They assert their current actions are focused on restoring justice and ethical conduct.

We're not weaponizing the Department of Justice. It's it's the opposite.

Treatment of Political Opponents and Personal Experiences [34:34]

• The speaker claims to be the most unfairly treated individual in the history of politics, surpassing even Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson.
• Past actions, including the raid on their home, are cited as examples.
• The economy during their term was the best in history, and the military was rebuilt.
• The handling of COVID-19 and the development of therapeutics and vaccines are mentioned as successes.

The speaker asserts they have faced unprecedented political persecution, drawing parallels to historical figures but claiming their own experience is far more severe. They highlight their administration's achievements in the economy, military, and pandemic response.

Nobody's been treated like I've been treated and I did a great job.

Russian Hoax and Treatment of Children [37:17]

• The "Russian hoax" is described as a fabrication used to explain Hillary Clinton's election loss.
• The speaker's son, Don, faced intense scrutiny and accusations related to this hoax, despite knowing nothing about Russia.
• Adam Schiff is called a "crooked guy" for allegedly making up a phone conversation.
• The speaker believes their children were targeted and put through immense difficulty due to these fabricated claims.

The speaker recounts the "Russian hoax" as a manufactured narrative to explain an election loss, detailing how their family, particularly their son, was subjected to unfair accusations and legal pressure based on these fabrications. They express outrage at the perceived injustice and the malicious intent behind these actions.

These are sick, bad people.