"I am busy with China and Russia," Trump dismisses
U.S. and China to hold high-level talks in the UK on June 9
On June 6 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump stated unequivocally that he has no interest in restoring his relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, with whom he had a catastrophic "indirect dispute" the previous day.
According to the White House press pool, President Trump, during an informal press conference with reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling domestically, was asked about his current view of Musk. He replied, "Frankly, I've been busy with China, Russia, and Iran," and added, "I don't think about Elon Musk. I just wish him well."
President Trump also addressed efforts by those around him to restore his relationship with Musk, who was once a close confidant after providing significant help in last year's presidential election. He said, "There are efforts, but I really don't care about that," and added, "I am truly interested in solving the country's problems." President Trump further stated that he has no plans to speak with Musk.
When asked whether the federal government is considering terminating contracts with companies owned by Musk, President Trump said, "We are looking at everything," and continued, "A lot of money is involved. A lot of subsidies. We will look at whether it is fair to him and to America."
He was also asked whether the United States could survive if contracts with Musk's companies, such as SpaceX, which plays a key role in the American aerospace sector, were canceled. He replied, "America can't do without me, but otherwise, generally, the country can survive even if someone is not around."
When asked if there are any plans to investigate Musk's companies, President Trump said, "I don't know," stating that it is a matter for the relevant agencies to answer. When asked if he was concerned that Musk used drugs while working at the White House, he responded, "I don't want to comment."
The relationship between the two men, which had been strained after Musk publicly opposed President Trump's legislative agenda that included large-scale tax cuts, reached a breaking point the previous day. President Trump criticized Musk during a summit with the German Chancellor, saying he was "very disappointed" in him, while Musk strongly countered by expressing support for Trump's impeachment in a social media comment, resulting in a catastrophic clash.
Additionally, President Trump commented on Ukraine's recent large-scale drone strike that dealt a significant blow to Russia's air power, saying, "They gave Putin a reason to go in and blow everything up," and expressed the view that this does not help efforts for a ceasefire or an end to the war.
He also addressed the bill introduced in the U.S. Senate to strengthen sanctions against Russia, saying, "We will be watching (Russia's moves)," and added, "I don't think Russia will stop negotiations," indicating a reserved stance.
When asked whether he is discussing reducing the intensity of the sanctions in the bill, President Trump said, "Sanctions against Russia are my option," making it clear that even if the bill passes Congress, he has the final authority to sign and enforce it.
When asked whether he is concerned that the war between Russia and Ukraine could escalate into a nuclear war, he replied, "I hope that does not happen."
Meanwhile, President Trump said that during a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping the previous day, Xi agreed to resume rare earth exports to the United States, stating, "Yes, he agreed."
President Trump was also asked whether he is considering a successor to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who has disagreed with him over whether to cut interest rates, and answered, "It will be announced soon."
He was then asked whether Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve board member who was also considered a candidate for Treasury Secretary in Trump's second term, could become the next Fed chair. Trump responded, "He is very highly regarded," giving a positive assessment. Powell's term ends in May next year.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
