Trump Takes Questions at the White House
The criticism landed the same day President Donald J. Trump spoke to reporters before departing the White House, in a session the account billed in full for viewers.
Asked about former Rep. Ilhan Omar, the president did not hold back.
"I think she's a terrible person, just a complainer," Trump said. "She comes from a country that is a non-country. And then she comes over here and she complains about our contribution."
He added, "I think she's a terrible person, but that's really up to the DOJ. I have nothing to do with it."
On Iran: 'Never Have a Nuclear Weapon'
The president restated his position on Tehran without qualification. "I just know Iran will never have a nuclear weapon," he said. "And that's now happened. They're never going to have a nuclear weapon."
He described the leadership there as "misbehaving very badly," and said he believed a deal was still possible.
"I think they want to make a deal. But they don't know how. But we're going to get them to make a deal," Trump said.
Russia and Ukraine: 'That War Has to Be Over'
Turning to the war between Russia and Ukraine, the president pressed for a settlement between the two leaders.
"All I know is that Zalinsky and Putin have to get together and end that ridiculous war," he said.
He cited casualties in making the case for urgency. "This month they lost 32,000 people at that war and it's ridiculous so they have to get together and get it done."
Pressed on whether he thought Putin or Zelensky wanted a deal more, Trump answered plainly: "I think actually Putin wants to make a deal more than Zalinsky."
On reported violations, he said, "I have to look at it and see. Because there's been violations on both sides."
Rallies and the Economy
The president credited his own rallies with lifting Republican fortunes. "I think the rallies have had a massive impact. You see, the numbers go up. Every time I have a rally," he said.
"Every one of them sold out. Every one of them has thousands of people standing outside," he added.
On the economy, Trump pointed to the markets. "We have the best stock market in history. We have the best 401k's by tens of thousands of dollars. Everybody's 401k is up almost $50,000 since his presidency," he said.
He tied energy prices to the conflict. "As soon as the war ends, which will be versed with Iran, the oil will drop like a rock. And it's going to end very soon."
Poland and the President's Ally
Asked by a reporter from Poland about the country's leadership, Trump praised a friend and ally.
"Your president is a good friend of mine. You know, I endorse him. And he wants, you know," he said, adding, "And he was a big supporter of mine. That's why he won. I endorse him. And he won. And he came from ten places. And he won in the last line."
"And he's doing a great job. He'll be great. He's my friend," Trump said.
