Trump vigorously defends his tariffs at Kentucky Derby weekend, asserting U.S. sovereignty during discussions
Fresh Take:
President Donny D already brushed off naysayers - worries about a potential recession to concerns about prices escalating due to his trademark tariffs to the daft notion of him eyeing a third term - in a no-holds-barred, exclusive interview with NBC’s Meet the Press host, Kristen Welker.
With his popularity taking a slight dip among warm congrats for his executive decisions, Donny D dismissed concerns about goods' rising costs due to his extensive tariff plan.
When asked about the anxieties of small businesses about tariffs on Chinese merchandise, Donny D replied casually, "Many businesses are thriving, and they won't need any help from that."
He further suggested that folks should learn to manage with less - even everyday items like toys or pencils - while giving more importance to gasoline, saying it's "hella valuable."
In the chat, he:
- Squashed rumors about wanting a third term, acknowledging the restrictions blocking him from doing so in 2028.
- Defended the steep price tag of a "big and flashy" military parade in Washington D.C. to celebrate Flag Day (and also his b-day).
You can get the clock worked on his remarks *here. You can also peep the full scoop here*.
Noteworthy bit
"I dunno, I ain't no lawyer," said Donny D, when asked if he needs to "stick with the Constitution," hinting at his campaign promise to deport illegal immigrants swiftly, allegedly even overriding their rights provided by the Constitution, as per court rulings.
The dark horse that triumphed
In a sloppy showdown at Churchill Downs, Sovereignty - an underdog priced at 9-to-1 - took the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, with frontrunner Journalism coming in second.
Rider Junior Alvarado, bagging $3.1 million in winnings, had a cold shoulder injuries story of his own, recovering from a fracture two months prior that put him out of action for weeks.
He said, with a hopeful sparkle in his eyes, "Every day since I got hurt, I asked God to help me, to get me back on that horse before the Derby."
Alvarado praised the horse's unwavering loyalty, confessing he had no doubts about Sovereignty's determination.
"I had faith in this horse," shared Sovereignty's trainer, Bill Mott, "And a smooth training schedule was key to winning races like these."
But the derby was more than just serious horse races; it was also a hub for extravagant outfits and took over the town with mint juleps.
The next potential Pope Francis
Filipino cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who champions the plights of the destitute and marginalized, has rolled up to the game as a leading contender as cardinals gather for a pow-wow to select Francis' replacement.
Just like Francis, Tagle, 67, follows a simple lifestyle that has earned him comparisons to the late pope.
If Tagle is picked as pope, he could infuse the Catholic Church with some valuable insights from the Philippines. The nation, with over 80% percent of its population being Catholic and ranked third in the world, takes an LGBTQ-friendly stance, despite being a significant Catholic player in Asia.
Edwin Valles, former head honcho at Courage Philippines, an LGBTQ group under the Archdiocese of Manila, is convinced Tagle would continue embracing the LGBTQ community.
But Noel Asiones, a researcher from the University of Santo Tomas, in Manila, informed NBC News that Tagle lacks the spiritual vigor needed to call out capitalist failings or denounce unjust wars, like Francis did.
In case you missed it
- Lady Gaga was unaware of an astounding bomb threat in Rio de Janeiro until she learned about it through the media.
- The Trump administration will restart the collection of defaulted student loan payments from consumers for the first time since the pandemic began on Monday.
- The administration also plans to significantly cut the workforce at spy agencies, with around 1,000 to 1,200 jobs on the chopping block at the CIA.
- Buffett the Great (94) will step down from his CEO role at Berkshire Hathaway at year's end, with Greg Abel taking the reins.
- A magnitude-5.3 earthquake rocked West Texas on Saturday night, joining a series of tremors to jolt the area near the state's border with New Mexico. No injuries were reported.
- Residents of Gaza have been forced into more crowded areas, with once-safe humanitarian zones no longer designated as such, as per NBC News' analysis of maps, evacuation orders, statements, and interviews.
- South Texas citizens voted on Saturday to transform their community into a city centered around Elon Musk's SpaceX.
- Oscar Piastri clinched the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, extending his championship lead over McLaren driver Lando Norris, who came in second place.
- In the interview, President Donny D mentioned the rising costs of goods due to his tariff plan, but suggested that people should learn to manage with less, especially on items like gasoline, which he called "hella valuable."
- Donny D also addressed concerns about a potential third term, acknowledging the restrictions preventing him from running in 2028.
- Meanwhile, in a different context, a dark horse named Sovereignty won the 151st Kentucky Derby, with rider Junior Alvarado recovering from a fracture to take the victory.
- Filipino cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, known for his advocacy for the marginalized, has emerged as a leading contender to replace Pope Francis.
- The Trump administration announced the resumption of defaulted student loan payments from consumers starting Monday, following the pandemic-related hiatus.
- south Texas residents voted to transform their community into a city centered around Elon Musk's SpaceX.
- Residents of Gaza have been forced into more crowded areas due to changes in humanitarian zones, according to NBC News analysis.
