President Trump spoke to reporters at the White House before departing for Alaska, taking questions on the war in Ukraine, Iran, the Houthis, a Russian diesel deal and a staffing change, according to posts from the Rapid Response account and the White House.
The president confirmed that intelligence sharing with Ukraine continues. "We are helping them and we are sharing intel. We want the war to end, so we're working with them and with Russia on getting the war to end," he said.
Asked what gave him confidence he could end the war, Trump pointed to his background in dealmaking and described both sides as wanting an end without knowing how to reach one.
"That's what I've done my whole life is deals," he said. "I think they both want it to end. You know, honestly, they both wanted to end and they don't know how to get to that point. There's a lot of hatred there between the two of them. They both wanted to end, they don't know how to get there. We're going to get them there."
On the Russian Diesel Deal
Asked whether Russia would redirect money from a diesel arrangement, the president said the release is destined for the world market rather than the United States.
"That's a diesel deal not for us — that's being released into the world. That's not being released to us. That's a diesel deal that's going to be released into the world for the world market," he said. "Because the world market suffered with high prices. And when you knock out diesel refineries, that's not a great thing. But they're not releasing that to us. They're releasing it to the entire world."
The Houthis and Iran
On whether he had made a decision about striking the Houthis, Trump said the group is "behaving very badly" but declined to disclose a decision.
"If I told you I made a decision, that wouldn't be good," he said.
Turning to Iran, the president described the country's economic condition in blunt terms and said a decision would come soon.
"Iran is a failed country. They have no economy. They have 300% inflation. They have no money. They're not paying their troops. They're not paying anybody. We'll make a decision on Iran very soon," he said.
On Rep. Ilhan Omar
Asked about Rep. Ilhan Omar, Trump was sharply critical while saying he is not taking a position.
"I don't take a position. I think she's a terrible person. I think she's a terrible congresswoman. I don't think she loves our country at all, but I don't take a position," he said.
A Staffing Change
The president also addressed a personnel decision, saying he did not like what he was reading.
"She was doing a good job, but we didn't like what we were reading so we're making a change," he said. "I didn't speak to her now, but she will not be there. I didn't like what I read."
Wheels Up for Alaska
Trump closed his remarks with a note of confidence about the days ahead.
"Well, we'll see. They're both a little bit off. You know what? Bottom line, it's going to all work out. You know why? It always does," he said.
He then departed. "President Trump is wheels up for the Great State of Alaska," the Rapid Response account posted, with the White House adding, "WHEELS UP TO ALASKA."
