Trump’s Exclusive Interview with NBC News
In a series of phone calls with “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker over the weekend, President Donald Trump revealed to NBC News that he “couldn’t care less” about potential price increases from foreign automakers due to tariffs. He also mentioned that he has no intention of dismissing any senior officials concerning the Signal chat incident, expressing that he was “very angry” and “pissed off” at Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Additionally, he reiterated his intent to pursue the annexation of Greenland, emphasizing that military options remain available, and stated he hasn’t dismissed the possibility of running for a third term.
Here are some key takeaways from the discussions:
- On the effect of tariffs on vehicle prices: When asked if he was worried about rising prices, Trump responded, “No, I couldn’t care less, because if prices for foreign cars increase, people will buy American cars instead.” He declared that the tariffs would be permanent, asserting, “The world has been taking advantage of the United States for over 40 years. We’re merely leveling the playing field, and frankly, I’m being quite generous.” Read the full story here
- On his frustration with Putin: Trump expressed significant anger over Putin’s remarks that challenged the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting that such comments were “not headed in the right direction.” He indicated that if he determines Russia is to blame for a failure to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine, he could impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil. Read the full story here
- On a possible third term: Trump mentioned he hasn’t ruled out the idea of pursuing a third term, despite the Constitutional prohibition under the 22nd Amendment. He claimed there are ways to do this, emphasizing he was “not joking,” though he added that “it is far too early to think about it.” Read the full story here
Meet the Press
During an appearance on “Meet the Press,” Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., told Kristen Welker on Sunday that the Democratic Party’s image is “problematic”, noting it is now perceived as being aligned with educated elites rather than with the working class.
Bennet urged his party to refocus on working-class and middle-class constituencies, claiming it has “lost touch with working Americans at a time when 50 years of trickle-down economics has led many to feel that despite their hard work, their children won’t achieve a better life than theirs.”
Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, also appeared on “Meet the Press,” where he denied claims that he had never met National Security Adviser Michael Waltz prior to being included in a Signal chat with other senior officials. Meanwhile, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., defended the messages exchanged by the administration’s leaders.
Politics in Brief
- Vance ruffles GOP feathers: Vice President JD Vance’s last-minute concerns regarding Trump’s decision to strike the Houthis in Yemen frustrated several senior Republican lawmakers.
- First Amendment Controversy: Conservative religious groups are seeking to challenge the long-standing interpretation of the separation of church and state — and the Supreme Court may support their efforts.
- Possible Trump resurgence? Although the second Trump administration has caused tension with America’s allies, there is evidence it has empowered global leaders who are navigating the White House’s unconventional approach, whether through confrontation or diplomacy.
- Musk incites protests: Demonstrators converged nationwide on Saturday for “Tesla Takedown” rallies targeting CEO Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency.
- Federal employment cuts: Nearly all employees at the U.S. Institute of Peace received formal termination notices on Friday evening, effective immediately, as confirmed by sources to NBC News.
March Madness in Full Swing
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The top-seeded Florida Gators and Duke Blue Devils advanced to the men’s Final Four on Saturday, albeit through different paths. The Gators rallied back to win against No. 3 seed Texas Tech 84-79, while the Blue Devils secured a comfortable 85-65 victory over No. 3 seed Alabama.
On Sunday, No. 1 seed Houston soared to an early lead against No. 2 seed Tennessee, ultimately winning 69-50. Meanwhile, Auburn managed to edge out second-seeded Michigan State, clinching a 70-64 victory to complete the Final Four lineup. This marks the first occasion since 2008, and only the second time in tournament history, where all four No. 1 seeds have made it to the Final Four.
In the women’s bracket, Paige Bueckers achieved a career-high 40 points, powering UConn past Oklahoma in an 82-59 victory that reversed a challenging first half. No. 1 seed South Carolina triumphed over No. 2 seed Duke, securing its fifth consecutive Final Four appearance.
In Case You Missed It
- The death count from the Myanmar earthquake has exceeded 1,600, with the disaster on the brink of becoming a humanitarian crisis as hospitals become overwhelmed and assistance struggles to reach those affected.
- Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal from mediators, according to the group’s leader in Gaza, although Israel has presented a counterproposal to mediators.
- The chair of the charity co-founded by Prince Harry has accused him of “harassment and bullying at scale.”
- Authorities in California arrested three individuals last week after a teenage boy with autism was discovered naked with his hands bound in a grocery store.
- An American woman who had been held by the Taliban in Afghanistan was freed on Saturday.
- A single dose of an experimental medication significantly lowered levels of a dangerous form of cholesterol, which is often deemed untreatable, for up to a year.
- Richard Chamberlain, the legendary actor known for his roles in miniseries like “The Thorn Birds” and “Shōgun,” died due to complications from a stroke, according to his representative. He was 90 years old.
- With incidents of bird flu rising in pet cats, public health experts are cautioning about raw meat and raw milk consumption.
