US President Trump: Ceasefire could be announced within the day

US President Donald Trump held his final press conference at the White House alongside Elon Musk, who is departing from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Trump stated that the DOGE reform program, initiated under Elon Musk's leadership, particularly in the field of public efficiency, has begun to show its impact across all federal agencies, saying, "Musk dismantled the old methods and built a talented team of computer and software engineers. Billions of dollars in wasted contracts have been canceled."

Trump also noted that the DOGE team has achieved savings exceeding $160 billion between the 2025-2026 fiscal years, with that figure approaching $200 billion. He emphasized that Musk's contribution to public service is "unprecedented in modern history."

DETERMINATION ON TARIFFS 

Trump stated, "The decision made yesterday regarding the continuation of tariffs was a historic one. This decision will not leave the US vulnerable at its economic borders. If we lose this authority, our country will cease to exist." The US President argued that tariffs are the most critical economic defense mechanism at the administration's disposal.

"OVER $5 BILLION IN PUBLIC FUNDS TRANSFERRED TO HARVARD"

Trump mentioned that "$8 million was spent to make mice transgender," "$42 million was allocated for a social behavior change program in Uganda," and "$59 million was paid to hotels for illegal aliens in New York," adding, "We are terminating these contracts; this waste will end."

Recalling the contracts canceled from the Department of Education, Trump emphasized that the audits conducted by Musk are "a revolution for US taxpayers." Trump argued that education funds should be redistributed, stating, "Over $5 billion in public funds have been transferred to Harvard. But vocational schools have been neglected. If you need someone to build a rocket, you need skilled hands."

"WE MUST GET THESE PEOPLE OUT BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE"

Trump said, "21 million people, including murderers and gang members, have entered our borders. The courts are slowing down this process. We must act quickly."

Thanking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officials for their "extraordinary work," Trump added, "We have to send these people back quickly. Otherwise, we will not have a country left."

"WE ARE DETERMINED FOR PEACE AND SECURITY"

At the end of the meeting, Trump delivered a message: "We are determined for peace, stability, and justice regarding the issues of Gaza, Iran, and China." US President Trump stated, "We can reach an agreement before bombs rain down on the Middle East. This would be a gain for the world."

Stating that the US's global leadership can only be maintained through decisive diplomacy and a strong economic infrastructure, Trump remarked, "The US will maintain its deterrence while building peace."

In his assessment of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump said, "Israel has accepted the ceasefire proposal. There is serious pressure on Hamas. Peace could be announced within the day or tomorrow." Trump noted that if the process is successful, weapons could fall silent in Gaza.

"WE ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO MAKE A DEAL WITH IRAN"

Highlighting the US role in the ceasefire negotiations, Trump stated, "The US is conducting an active diplomatic mission to ensure peace." Trump also said that a potential agreement with Iran would directly affect the process in the Gaza Strip.

Donald Trump said, "We have a chance to make a deal with Iran as well. They do not want conflict either. This is a historic opportunity for regional stability." Emphasizing that "a balance must be struck between Israel's security and the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people," Trump stated that the US remains committed to a solution-oriented approach.

"NUCLEAR WEAPONS ARE UNACCEPTABLE" 

Firmly rejecting Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons, Trump said, "We want them to be a successful country, but we can never allow a nuclear program." Trump noted that diplomatic efforts are built on nuclear disarmament and economic normalization.

CRISIS OVER DEAL WITH CHINA 

In another part of his speech, Trump announced that China has violated the trade agreement it made with the US. "This is contrary to a large part of the agreement we signed together. I will speak with President Xi. I hope this violation will be corrected," he said.

Emphasizing that US economic interests must be protected, Trump stated, "Trade agreements are based on mutual trust. China is damaging this trust." Trump noted that the Beijing administration is struggling due to significant business and trade losses. The US President said, "We wanted to help China, but this attitude is unacceptable. We are conducting detailed investigations." Trump indicated that new sanction options could also be brought to the agenda and that maintaining the trade balance is a priority.

BRUISE UNDER MUSK'S EYE DREW ATTENTION

Musk, whose bruised eye drew attention during the press conference, responded to questions from journalists on the matter. Musk said, "I was playing with my 5-year-old son, X. I told him, 'hit me in the face,' and he did. It's not bad, I didn't even notice it." Trump, in a humorous tone, supported Musk by saying, "X can do that."

TRUMP TO MACRON: KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED 

During the press conference, Trump addressed the "slap" incident involving French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, as they disembarked from a plane in Vietnam, stating, "That wasn't good. I spoke with him, he said they are fine. They are really good people."

When asked for marriage advice, after a brief pause, Trump remarked, "Make sure the door stays closed."

Trump said he was "surprised" and "disappointed" by Russia's recent missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Avoiding a direct answer to the question of whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is a "good guy or a bad guy," Trump said, "We were close to a peace solution, but then suddenly cities were hit with rockets. I was surprised, and I don't like being surprised." President Trump also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian losses.

"BOTH PUTIN AND ZELENSKY ARE STUBBORN"

Trump stated that he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, during which Putin promised to send a "peace memorandum" containing ceasefire conditions for Ukraine. Describing Putin as "very stubborn," Trump added, "Zelensky is too."

News Source: 12punto