1 / 9In an extensive interview within the Oval Office conducted by Reuters, President Donald Trump discussed Federal Reserve independence, the situation in Ukraine, Iranian politics, Venezuela, the 2026 midterm elections, and Cuba. Here’s an overview.
2 / 9Federal Reserve Independence: “A president ought to have a say” in Federal Reserve policy, Trump stated. “My business acumen has allowed me to understand it better than Too Late Jerome Powell.” When asked about the possibility of removing Powell, Trump replied, “I have no plans to do that.” REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo/File Photo
3 / 9Next Federal Reserve Chair Selection: Concerning his choice for the upcoming Fed chair, Trump remarked, “The two Kevins are excellent… There are other capable candidates as well, but I’ll reveal more in the upcoming weeks.” He referenced White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett and former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo
4 / 9Regarding Maria Corina Machado: Trump discussed his upcoming meeting with the Venezuelan opposition leader, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate critical of the Maduro regime. “I haven’t met her. She seems very pleasant. I think we’ll just cover the basics,” he mentioned. When asked if he expected Machado to present her Nobel Peace Prize to him, Trump replied, “No, that’s not what I said. She won the prize.” If presented with it, he stated, “Well, I’m just hearing that. I don’t know, but I shouldn’t be the one to comment.”
5 / 9On Delcy Rodríguez, interim leader of Venezuela: Trump indicated he had “a very productive conversation” with Rodríguez. He suggested she might visit Washington and hinted at mutual travel plans: “I believe she will come eventually—though not right away—and I’ll go to their country too.” REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria
6 / 9On President Volodymyr Zelenskiy: “We need to persuade President Zelenskiy to go along with it,” Trump said about a potential agreement with Russia to conclude its conflict in Ukraine. When asked about U.S. security assurances to safeguard Ukraine through intelligence sharing, he responded, “If we can reach an agreement, we’d assist. They’re suffering losses of around 30,000 soldiers each month between them and Russia. Europe will aid us in this matter.” REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
7 / 9On Vladimir Putin: Trump expressed his belief that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is open to a peace agreement, but Ukraine’s leadership appears reluctant. “I think he’s prepared to negotiate. I believe Ukraine is less inclined to do so,” Trump stated. When queried about the reason for the delay, he remarked, “Zelenskiy.” Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
8 / 9On the future of Cuba: When asked if the regime in Cuba is more likely to collapse following U.S. military actions in Venezuela, Trump remarked, “Probably, yes, I believe so. They no longer receive financial support from Venezuela. They are completely cut off from oil and gold imports from there. Hence, it’s more probable they will fall.”
(Photo Credit : REUTERS/J. Scott Applewhite/Pool)
9 / 9On the Midterms: Trump indicated the Republicans should fare well, “However, historically, only three presidents have achieved victory in the last 65 years or so. What’s that number? It’s almost nonsensical, right? Even if they have had a successful presidency, it feels as though there’s a barrier.”
