Key Takeaways:
– Trump addressed topics including vaccines, foreign policy, tariffs, drones, and TikTok.
– Joined by Masayoshi Son, SoftBank Group CEO, and Howard Lutnick, his Commerce secretary pick, Trump announces a $100 billion investment from SoftBank in the US over four years.
– On vaccines, Trump assures the public that the polio vaccine will not be revoked and indicates a need for further vaccine reviews.
– On foreign policy, Trump discusses efforts to broker peace in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war.
– Trump defends the implementation of tariffs and comments on controversial drone sightings.
– The President-elect contemplates pardoning NYC Mayor Eric Adams and criticizes the Des Moines Register.
Group CEO Masayoshi Son Attends Trump Conference
President-elect Trump was joined by Masayoshi Son, the CEO of Japan-based SoftBank Group, and Howard Lutnick, Trump’s pick for Commerce secretary, at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago. Trump announced that SoftBank Group plans to invest $100 billion in the United States over the next four years, with a focus on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. This significant announcement evoked positive reactions from spectators.
Vaccination Policies
During the press conference, Trump addressed concerns about vaccine access. His nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism about vaccines, is expected to face intense scrutiny from lawmakers during his confirmation hearings. Despite Kennedy’s views, Trump assured the public that the polio vaccine will remain accessible. However, Trump did express his intention to have Kennedy conduct more thorough vaccine reviews.
Foreign Policy and Drones
When discussing foreign policy, Trump mentioned the war between Israel and Hamas, highlighting his team’s ongoing efforts to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. He also addressed the tension between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting that ending the war would prove complicated due to North Korean troops supporting the Russian military.
Trump also responded to concerns about the recent surge in drone sightings across the United States. He dismissed the idea that the drones pose a threat from foreign adversaries and suggested that the U.S. Government is aware of the situation.
Tariffs and TikTok
Further commenting on his second term agenda, Trump defended his decision to impose tariffs, suggesting that reciprocal tariffs between nations can significantly benefit the US. He also shared his perspective on the social media platform TikTok, stating that the app holds a “warm spot” in his heart. This comment prompts speculation about the application’s future in the US.
Final Remarks
Trump also took the opportunity to express his views on a variety of other topics. He expressed his willingness to consider pardoning NYC Mayor Eric Adams and expressed his disapproval of the Des Moines Register publishing a pre-election poll showing Trump behind in Iowa. Additionally, he commented on the recent shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, calling it a “terrible thing”. Trump’s diverse range of topics and insightful answers made the press conference an informative event.