Weekend Highlights: Trump justifies Tariff Policies and Sovereignty Shines at Kentucky Derby
In a candid conversation with NBC News' "Meet the Press" host Kristen Welker, President Trump set the record straight on a flurry of hot-button issues. Despite his approval ratings taking a slight dive due to a deluge of executive actions, Trump laughed off concerns about rising prices due to tariffs and the likelihood of another term.
Scrapping Fears
When addressing small businesses worried about the financial pain from tariffs on Chinese goods, Trump was confident. "Many businesses are being helped," he said. "They're not going to need it. They're going to make so much money."
Trump dismissed the idea of an economic recession, insisting that Americans could manage with fewer everyday items like dolls or pencils. When pressed about inflation on goods like tires or strollers, he swiftly shifted the focus to gas prices, stating it was "thousands of times more important."
Two-Term President
Trump made it clear that he aims to be a two-term president, acknowledging the constitutional restrictions preventing him from seeking a third term in 2028. However, he did not delve into the specifics of his future plans, maintaining a focus on his current administration.
Parade and Due Process
Trump also defended the high cost of the planned military parade in Washington, D.C., to commemorate Flag Day, which coincides with his birthday. When asked about upholding the Constitution, Trump argued that carrying out mass deportations might take priority over due process for immigrants, claiming it was an issue for the courts to decide.
Meanwhile, the Kentucky Derby saw a surprise winner, 9-to-1 outsider Sovereignty, reclaim the trophy on a muddy track at Churchill Downs. Jockey Junior Alvarado secured a $3.1 million payday, overcoming injuries to lead Sovereignty to victory. Alvarado credited his faith and the horse's loyalty for the win.
Luis Antonio Tagle, a Filipino cardinal, has emerged as a top contender for the papacy as cardinals gather to elect Francis' successor. Like Francis, Tagle, 67, adopts a simple lifestyle and prioritizes the needs of the poor. If chosen as pope, Tagle could bring lessons from the Philippines, where LGBTQ rights are more accepting than in many other Asian countries.
round-up
- Lady Gaga was unaware of a thwarted bomb threat in Rio de Janeiro until media reports.
- The Trump administration resumes the collection of defaulted student loan payments from millions starting Monday.
- The administration plans to cut approximately 1,000 to 1,200 jobs at spy agencies, including the CIA.
- Warren Buffet, 94, steps down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year, with Greg Abel taking over.
- A magnitude-5.3 earthquake hit West Texas on Saturday night, part of a series of tremors in the area near the state's border with New Mexico. No injuries were reported.
- People in Gaza are being pushed into increasingly crowded areas, and a once-safe humanitarian zone is no longer designated as such.
- A south Texas community voted to form a new city centered around Elon Musk's SpaceX.
- Oscar Piastri won the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, extending his championship lead over fellow McLaren driver Lando Norris.
- In the interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press," President Trump spoke about the challenges facing small businesses due to tariffs on Chinese goods, expressing confidence that they won't need loans, as they'll make profits instead.
- Discussing the impact of tariffs on everyday items like strollers and dolls, Trump stated that Americans can manage without them, while he considered the rise in gas prices to be more crucial.
- Despite concerns about his approval ratings and the probable impact of tariffs, Trump revealed his ambition to be a two-term president, acknowledging the constitutional limitations preventing him from seeking a third term in 2028.
- The Trump administration has decided to resume the collection of defaulted student loan payments, set to start on Monday, which will affect millions of individuals.
- In the world of politics, Oscar Piastri from McLaren won the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, extending his championship lead over fellow driver Lando Norris.
- A south Texas community decided to form a new city, with Elon Musk's SpaceX at its center, showcasing an unusual intersection between entertainment, technology, and politics.
