US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House ahead of his trip to Scotland on Friday, said that Hamas did not want to release the remaining hostages and was not interested in making a peace deal. He claimed that Hamas "didn't want to make a deal" and suggested that the group's leaders "want to die."
Trump also mentioned that Hamas was not willing to negotiate because they "know what happens after you get the final hostages." He added that Israel would have to "finish the job" and "fight and clean it up" Trump's comments came after the US and Israel pulled their negotiators from Gaza talks, citing Hamas's lack of good faith.
The U.S. president also criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for announcing France's intention to recognize Palestine as a state, stating, "I’m not with France," saying that Macron's statement to that effect carries no weight.
Trump also reiterated his stance on various issues, including potential sanctions against Russia, trade negotiations, and his views on international relations.
He emphasized that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "will happen," despite the Kremlin ruling out such talks in the near term.
The U.S. Preisent also renewed his threat to impose "secondary sanctions" on Russia, which would penalize countries and entities doing business with the country.
Responding to a reporter's question, Trump mentioned that he has not yet considered granting a pardon to Ghislaine Maxwell, a former associate of Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump also expressed optimism about the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates following his meeting with Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell.
The President also addressed trade relations, stating that the U.S. may not reach a new trade deal with Canada and could impose higher tariffs on Canadian exports, citing national security concerns related to fentanyl trafficking. He emphasized that the U.S. would impose 35% tariffs on Canadian goods starting August 1, unless a deal is reached.
Furthermore, Trump indicated plans to meet with European Union representatives to negotiate a major trade agreement, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expected to attend.
The U.S. president also spoke to reporters after arriving in Glasgow, Scotland where he emphasized his views on immigration and windmills, and mentioned his planned meetings with UK and Scottish leaders.
During his remarks in Glasgow, Trump stated, "I say two things to Europe: Stop the windmills. You're ruining your countries. You fly over and you see these windmills, ruining your beautiful fields and valleys. Killing your birds...ruining your oceans." He also addressed immigration, saying, "You've got to get your act together. You're not going to have Europe anymore. You gotta get to get your act together."
Trump further mentioned his intention to meet with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney, stating, "I like your Prime Minister. He's slightly more liberal than I am, as you've probably heard, but he's a good man, he got a trade deal done." He also highlighted his golf courses in Scotland, saying, "The best course anywhere in the world is Turnberry. The players all want to be at Turnberry, everyone wants to be at Turnberry. It would be the best place anywhere in your country, there's no place like it"
