Trump reveals for the first time whether he went to Epstein's island

U.S. President Donald Trump made notable remarks regarding domestic and foreign policy at an event held at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Announcing that he has ordered the construction of two new and extremely large warships for the U.S. Navy, Trump said, "We had great battleships. But these will be even bigger." Emphasizing that preparations for the new ship project were initiated during his first presidential term, Trump assessed, "These will be the best in the world. They will be the fastest, the largest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built."

"THEY WILL BE THE LARGEST IN THE U.S. AND THE WORLD"

Stating that warships built in the past do not align with today's vision, Trump said, "This is not quite suitable for where we are and the direction we are heading. We embrace the principle of 'peace through strength'." Expressing that the new ships will be among the deadliest surface platforms ever produced, excluding submarines, Trump said, "Each of these ships will be the largest battleships ever built in our country's history. In fact, they will be the largest battleships ever made in the world. I repeat: they will be 100 times more powerful compared to the Iowa-class battleships."

"OUR ULTIMATE GOAL IS 20-25 SHIPS"

Stating that the first two ships are seen as a starting point, Trump said their goal is to build at least 10 ships in the same class. Trump noted, "Our ultimate goal is a total number between 20 and 25 ships," adding that steps will be taken for eight more new ships after the completion of the first ones. He stated that these ships will be the first examples of an entirely new class of battleship.

"THEY WILL BE THE FLAGSHIPS OF THE NAVY"

Expressing that the ships, which will be equipped with missile and artillery systems and weigh over 30,000 tons, will be the flagships of the U.S. Navy, Trump said, "I want to be clear that nothing like these has ever been built before." Emphasizing that production will take place in the U.S., Trump said, "We are building these ships here. Of course, we are cooperating with others as well. But the production will take place here because we have very good shipyards." Trump also mentioned that new aircraft carriers are being built.

"THOSE HIT ARE NOT FISHING BOATS"

Addressing the fight against drug cartels, Trump noted that the rate of drugs smuggled into the country by sea has been significantly reduced, stating, "We have reduced the rate of drugs entering the country by sea by 96.2 percent." Responding to criticisms regarding the operations, Trump said, "With every strike carried out against these boats, we are saving the lives of 25,000 people." Arguing that the suspicious vessels were not fishing boats, Trump added, "These are not fishing equipment. There are no fishing rods or anything like that on those boats."

"WE CAN USE THE SEIZED OIL"

Responding to a question about the fate of the oil in the tankers seized by the U.S., Trump stated, "We will keep it. Maybe we can use it for strategic reserves. We are also keeping the ships."

"EVERYONE WAS EPSTEIN'S FRIEND"

Answering a question regarding the Epstein files, Trump claimed that the release of the documents occurred under pressure from Democrats, saying, "I think it's terrible." Arguing that Epstein had a wide circle of acquaintances in the past, Trump said, "The head of Harvard was Epstein's closest friend. Bill Clinton was his friend; actually, everyone was his friend."

"I THOUGHT THE EPSTEIN ISSUE WAS CLOSED"

Acknowledging that his path had crossed with Epstein's in the past, Trump said, "I kicked him out of Mar-a-Lago." Reacting to the Epstein issue being constantly brought up, Trump argued that it was intended to overshadow the gains made by Republicans, stating, "We are building the world's largest ships, and they are asking me questions about Jeffrey Epstein. I thought this was closed."

"MANY PEOPLE WENT TO EPSTEIN'S ISLAND"

Trump claimed that one of the reasons Democrats want to keep the Epstein issue on the agenda is that their own names are also associated with this network. Citing Larry Summers as an example in this context, Trump said, "By the way, I never went to Epstein's island. Fortunately, that's good. But many people did go."

"MADURO CAN DO WHATEVER HE WANTS"

Reiterating his warnings to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and reminding that a strong military deployment has been made to the region, Trump said, "He can do whatever he wants. If he wants to play hard, this will be the last game he plays hard."

"COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT SHOULD BE CAREFUL"

Directing harsh criticism at Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Trump claimed that drug production continues in the country and said, "(Petro) would do well to be careful." Arguing that drugs are being shipped from Colombia to the U.S. via Mexico, Trump stated that these facilities must be shut down.

OIL TANKER RESPONSE

In response to a question about whether a tracked oil tanker had been seized, Trump replied, "It is moving. But we will eventually seize it. Because it left Venezuela and was under sanctions."