WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – President Donald Trump is standing by his ultimatum to Russia, to sign a peace deal in 50 days or face 100% tariffs.
White House Correspondent Jon Decker pointedly asked the president to further explain his demand to Russia to sign a ceasefire deal within 50 days and to end the war in Ukraine. Russia has rejected the president’s strategy.
Jon Decker, White House Correspondent:
“Mr. President. Why are you giving Mr. Putin 50 additional days to prosecute his war against Ukraine?”
President Donald Trump”
“Well, I don’t think 50 days is very long, and it could be sooner than that. I don’t think 50 days is very long. You should have asked that same question to Biden. Why did he get us into this war? You should ask that question. Yeah. And what did he tell you? Why did he get us into this war? You know why he got us in? Because he’s a dummy, that’s why.”
Three and a half years ago, Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine. Now The EU’s top diplomat is criticizing the President’s announcement saying “50 days is a very long time if we see that they are killing innocent civilians every day.”
Separately I asked the President about his contentious relationship with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
President Trump’s relationship with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is also contentious. White House correspondent Jon Decker also asked about that, as rumors swirl that the president wants to fire the Fed Chair.
Jon Decker, White House Correspondent:
“When was the last time you spoke to Fed Chair Jerome Powell? What did you discuss?”
President Donald Trump:
“Well, when he was in my office, I told him he’s doing a very bad job. He’s way late. That’s why I call him too late. Jerome Powell is too late. He’s way late. Interest rates should be coming down. We have a very, very successful country. We should have the lowest interest rate anywhere in the world. And we don’t. Jerome Powell has done a terrible job. And frankly, I don’t think he could do worse. He’s called everything wrong.”
Tuesday’s inflation report showed prices ticking up higher. The Fed’s mandate is to keep inflation around 2 percent and to keep a sharp eye on unemployment, which is hovering just under 5%.
Powell’s term as Fed Chair expires next May. When Jon Decker asked the President if he’ll nominate him for another 4-year-term, the President replied with a three-word answer- “Are you kidding?”
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