From taxes and tariffs to third terms, the wide-ranging discussion saw the president outline his worldview.
President Donald Trump discussed geopolitics, trade policy and tariffs, taxes, and the prospects of another term in office during an interview with Time magazine at the White House on April 22.
He outlined his vision to Time’s Eric Cortellessa and Sam Jacobs in a wide-ranging talk that saw the president push back repeatedly on the line of questioning, calling the experience a “very nasty interview.”
Future of Crimea
With ongoing negotiations between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine for a cease-fire in the war between the latter two, control of Crimea—the Ukrainian southern peninsula—should remain in Russian hands despite the recent rumblings of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to Trump.
“Crimea will stay with Russia,” he said. “And Zelenskyy understands that, and everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time. It’s been with them long before Trump came along.”
The president said the region is of strategic importance to Russia because it houses submarines in the area.
Trump said that Ukraine’s wish to join NATO is far-fetched and likely contributed to the likelihood of conflict in the region.
“I don’t think they’ll ever be able to join NATO,” he said. “I think that’s been, from Day 1 … what caused the war to start was when they started talking about joining NATO.”
Tariff Deals in the Works
After months of trade policy adjustments that saw tariffs imposed and temporarily rescinded, Trump said he’s making progress negotiating with businesses and foreign nations, with 200 deals in the works.
“I’ve met with a lot of countries,” he said. “I’ve talked on the telephone.”
Approximately 90 countries have opened dialogue with the White House to formalize trade agreements in recent weeks.
Other deals could include those with industries and businesses, according to statements made during the interview.
Trump likened his role as negotiator to that of a business owner.
“If people want to—well, we all want to make deals,” Trump said. “But I am this giant store. It’s a giant, beautiful store, and everybody wants to go shopping there.
“And on behalf of the American people, I own the store, and I set prices, and I’ll say, if you want to shop here, this is what you have to pay.”
He dismissed allegations that he paused reciprocal tariffs due to stock market volatility and intense pressure on U.S. bond markets.
“No, it wasn’t for that reason. I’m doing that until we come up with the numbers that I want to come up with,” Trump said.
“The bond market was getting the yips, but I wasn’t. Because I know what we have.”
