President Donald Trump's interview with Time Magazine covered a wide array of topics, including his views on the ongoing war in Ukraine, trade policies and tariffs, the possibility of another presidential run, and his opinion on the economy. The interview also touched upon Trump's newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Trump asserted that Crimea will remain under Russian control, arguing that its strategic importance to Russia is undeniable. He also stated that Ukraine's pursuit of NATO membership may have contributed to the conflict.
Trump boasted about negotiating trade deals with approximately 90 countries, asserting that he possesses significant leverage due to his ability to set prices. He also indicated that he is currently working on an additional 200 deals. He denied that his previous tariff adjustments were influenced by stock market volatility.
Trump acknowledged a recent phone call from Xi Jinping to initiate trade negotiations, despite high tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. He indicated that the leverage in these negotiations is in his hands.
Trump expressed openness to meeting with Iranian officials to negotiate an agreement on their nuclear program. However, he insisted that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, indicating that he would use force as a last resort if negotiations fail. He also advised Israel to exercise patience before launching any potential attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Trump's DOGE has reportedly cut $160 billion in federal spending within its first 100 days. Trump dismissed concerns regarding the consolidation of personal information into a single database and rejected claims that the cuts could harm national security or research.
Trump expressed mixed feelings about raising taxes on the highest income earners, acknowledging the concept's merits while also expressing concerns about its potential political ramifications.
Trump did not rule out the possibility of another presidential run in 2028, noting significant support for him.