During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump expressed his determination to continue legal battles against the media, following a $15 million settlement in a defamation case against ABC.
Trump criticized the Des Moines Register for what he deemed as ‘fraud’ in a pre-election poll by Ann Selzer showing Vice President Kamala Harris leading by three points in Iowa, a state Trump won convincingly. He also voiced grievances against ’60 Minutes’ over an interview with Harris, leading to another lawsuit.
He mentioned ongoing legal disputes with Simon & Schuster for interview rights and the Pulitzer Prize board for their recognition of reporting by the New York Times and Washington Post on his campaign’s ties to Russia.
Addressing a wide range of topics, Trump discussed vaccine mandates, foreign relations, and the potential pardon of New York Mayor Eric Adams.
Highlighting the importance of a fair press, Trump stated, ‘I’m doing this not because I want to. I’m doing this because I feel I have an obligation to.’
Trump’s press conference, his first since winning the presidency, coincided with an event attended by outgoing President Joe Biden at the Labor Department’s headquarters.
Regarding the polio vaccine, Trump emphasized his support for it, acknowledging its impact on individuals he knows. While affirming the importance of the vaccine, he expressed reservations about mandates and sidestepped a question on vaccines and autism.
On the topic of pardoning Eric Adams, Trump hinted at political motivations behind the mayor’s indictment, attributing it to Adams’ stance on migrants in NYC.
Trump’s decision to avoid his Bedminster property due to drone activity raised concerns, with Trump urging transparency on the issue.
He also reiterated plans to dismiss federal employees who refuse to return to the office, particularly criticizing a collective bargaining agreement at the Social Security Administration.
When asked about Lara Trump’s potential Senate appointment, Trump deferred to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ discretion.
Trump hinted at meeting various world leaders, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relationships despite past tensions.
Discussing trade policies, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to fair deals and tariff reciprocity with other countries.
He criticized the Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles, attributing it to escalating tensions with North Korea.
Overall, Trump’s press conference showcased his continued legal battles, policy stances, and diplomatic priorities.
