Trump's White House gaggle Iran, economy and campaigns

Sep 28

Before leaving the White House on October 1, Trump answers reporters on foreign policy, the economy and elections. Asked about Kevin Warsh and a reported TIME interview, he says Warsh should vote as he wants, but that Trump personally would oppose higher rates. He claims inflation is controlled, blames Biden and argues that rates would hinder growth. Asked about a possible Venezuelan base, he describes good relations and shared oil revenue and pledges to begin filling U.S. strategic reserves with inexpensive Venezuelan oil; he gives no amount or timetable. Trump acknowledges the Iran war could hurt Republicans in the midterms, while arguing that emphasizing prevention of an Iranian nuclear weapon should help. He defends campaigning in strongly Republican states to thank supporters, support candidates and encourage turnout. He credits his endorsement for an unnamed Oklahoma candidate's primary victory after an alleged 22-point deficit, later identifying Drummond as the defeated opponent; his confidence about the general election is a prediction. Asked about Ken Paxton's criticism of the Dallas convention, he calls it successful and claims 107 million views against 24 million for the NFL. These are his claims, not verified ratings or election outcomes. Trump gives his government and economy an A-plus assessment, claims record poverty, retirement-account and stock-market performance and $21 trillion in investment over 15 months, and says inflation and costs are falling. He blames unfavorable press coverage, admits he has not explained his case well and predicts that a Democratic victory instead would have produced a depression. He also claims more oil is moving through Hormuz than before the war and predicts further price relief. On the Flydubai incident, Trump says the investigation is ongoing and, based on what he is hearing, he believes the pilot is linked to Iran. He says it could have involved IRGC placement or other radicalization, without establishing either. Asked about retaliation if Iran were responsible, he says Iran would be hit hard but does not explicitly confirm a U.S. operation. His closing remarks claim Iran's economy and military are devastated, U.S. forces control Hormuz and oil movement is at a record level; he threatens that Iran must sign what he calls a fair deal or cease to exist. These assertions and threats do not establish an investigative finding, completed agreement or verified military outcome. Brief exchanges include tentative remarks about a U.S. base in Poland, Iran's nuclear weapons and Hezbollah, a prediction of resolution in Ukraine, an assurance to allies in Iraq, praise for Brazil and its election, surprise at the British suspects' bail release alongside respect for Scotland Yard, and a possible 2028 endorsement without naming a nominee. He says aide pardons are not presently on his mind, mentions a planned Peterbilt ribbon cutting, jokes about press-secretary applicants and says he lacks detail on a Cornell allegation while expressing confidence in the university.

British police release the five men arrested near RAF Fairford on bail on September 28. They are British nationals in their twenties. Police say strict restrictions on movement and contact apply and the investigation continues. ABC includes the farmer's account of masked men, Trump's claim of prior surveillance and his criticism of release, Iran's denial of involvement, and police examination of possible foreign-state proxies. No state connection or guilt is established. Fox's September 28 report identifies the men as London residents aged 23–25 and adds the farmer's estimate that she saw eight to ten masked men, not necessarily the number arrested. It repeats Trump's criticism of release, police's continuing inquiry and possible foreign-proxy line, and Iran's denial. After an emergency cabinet meeting, the defense secretary says attribution is premature. Fox says most of the 85 evacuated households can return that evening. No foreign sponsor, additional suspect count or guilt is established. Kan's September 28 account carries the police's full statement that strict movement and contact conditions apply and all five remain under investigation. Its package contrasts a farmer's tip with Trump's surveillance claim and stresses that the investigation has not established an Iranian link. Kan discusses possible implications for renewed U.S.–Iran talks but reports no retaliation or finding of guilt. Democracy Now's September 29 follow-up repeats the five suspects' bail release, airs councillor Tristan Wilkinson's recollection of an earlier Iranian threat, and quotes Rubio alleging foreign involvement. It also carries Iran's categorical rejection of speculation. These competing statements do not establish who sponsored any alleged plot. In the September 29 post-luncheon White House gaggle, Trump reiterates his criticism of granting bail, calls the men terrorists and seriously bad people, says the United States was involved in a long-standing investigation and assumes they are being watched closely. These are his characterizations and assumptions, not a conviction, proof of state sponsorship or independently confirmed surveillance conditions. At the October 1 White House departure gaggle, Trump again says he is surprised at the bail release and that he plans to speak about it. He also says he respects Scotland Yard and thinks it knows what it is doing. This is a further reaction to the September 28 release, without new police conditions or any finding of guilt or foreign sponsorship. On September 30, asked about the Fairford response, Trump again criticizes Britain's release of people he characterizes as would-be attackers, but now says he is checking whether the release happened and whether there was a reason. He promises a report that afternoon. His uncertainty does not undo the retrieved police bail announcement or establish guilt, attribution, completed review or retaliation.