Fox News Interview
"If Reciprocal Tariffs Are Ruled Illegal, It Would Undermine National Security"
President Donald Trump of the United States has made it clear that the United States will not deploy its military regarding the disarmament of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, which is a key issue in the second phase of the Gaza peace initiative. He also reaffirmed plans to hold a separate meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled to take place in Gyeongju, South Korea, at the end of this month, amid escalating US-China trade tensions.
In an interview with Fox News’ "Sunday Morning Futures" on the 19th (local time), President Trump stated regarding the disarmament of Hamas, “They have promised to do so,” and added, “If we have to, we will disarm them.”
When asked whether the United States would directly disarm Hamas, he said, “I could do it, the United States could do it, or Israel, whom we support, could act as our agent,” adding, “We will not deploy (US) ground forces. There is no reason to do so.”
This is seen as a step back from President Trump’s recent remarks, following the first phase of the Gaza peace initiative, where he suggested that if Hamas violated the agreement, “we would have no choice but to go in and eliminate them,” hinting at possible military intervention. It is now clear that while the United States will provide military equipment and other support, Israel will take the lead in disarming Hamas.
Regarding the timing of Hamas’s disarmament, President Trump said, “There isn’t a strict timeline, but I do have a line in my mind,” warning, “If at some point they do not do what they are supposed to, we will have to do it.”
He also reiterated that, despite heightened US-China trade tensions, the summit between the two leaders will proceed as planned during the Gyeongju APEC summit. Recently, as China has tightened export controls on rare earth elements, President Trump announced plans to add an additional 100 percentage points in tariffs on Chinese imports, raising the current rate from 57% starting in November, fueling concerns about renewed trade conflict.
He said, “We will meet, and a separate meeting has been scheduled.” He continued, “They (China) have a very smart leader, and because he is smart, he will want to make a deal,” adding, “I am scheduled to meet him (President Xi) within two weeks. We will see what happens.”
President Trump also insisted, “I am not trying to destroy China.” Regarding the imposition of ultra-high tariffs on China, he said, “It is hard to say it is sustainable, but China created this situation,” emphasizing, “I think we can get along well with China, but there must be fair trade.”
In addition, with the US Supreme Court currently reviewing the legality of reciprocal tariffs, President Trump said that if the tariffs are ruled illegal, “We may have to return the money,” and added, “We will have to find a way. If the Supreme Court eliminates the tariffs, it would undermine national security,” expressing his concern.
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