On Friday, President Donald Trump indicated to a group of journalists that both he and they might be at risk amid discussions regarding U.S. military intervention against an Iranian nuclear facility.
Earlier this week, the president mentioned that he was allowing Tehran’s leaders a few weeks to negotiate with Israel and the United States concerning Iran’s advancing nuclear weapons program, which the regime claims is intended for peaceful purposes.
For the past week, Israel has been conducting attacks on Iranian nuclear and military installations, as well as targeting senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.
During a question-and-answer session with reporters on Friday after arriving in New Jersey, Trump discussed the situation and cautioned journalists that they could be “in danger.”
A reporter inquired, “Are you concerned that Iran’s proxies might carry out terror attacks against American targets overseas if you authorize military action?”
Trump responded, “We are always worried about that, and we must eliminate the threat and be very assertive. You are even at risk speaking to me right now. Are you aware of that? You are in danger talking to me right now, so I should probably leave. But you all are genuinely in danger. Can you believe it?”
Another reporter followed up with, “Is it still your expectation that NATO countries allocate 5% of their GDP towards defense spending?”
“I believe they ought to take that action. While I do not think it is our responsibility, I believe it is theirs. We have been contributing to NATO for an extended period, and in many instances, I feel we have been covering nearly the entire expense. Therefore, I do not believe it is our duty, but rather that of the NATO member countries. NATO will need to address the situation with Spain, which has consistently been a low contributor. Historically, they have either been adept negotiators or have not fulfilled their obligations. In my opinion, Spain must contribute at the same level as others. Spain has a reputation for being a low payer. Additionally, there is another country that has been a low payer, nearly the lowest, and that is Canada, which argued, ‘Why should we pay when the United States will provide protection at no cost?’ This assertion has proven to be accurate,” Trump stated.
“You have been making strides towards achieving a peace agreement, but I am not sure if you are aware that Lindsey Graham and Mike Pompeo were present in Ukraine seemingly acting contrary to that goal, attempting to incite the Ukrainians to continue their fight. What is your perspective on this?” another reporter inquired.
“We will have to observe, and individuals must exercise caution regarding their statements. They need to be mindful of their words, as their speech can lead them into significant difficulties,” Trump responded.
Last week, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who served under Trump, cautioned that the Iranian IRGC, the very leadership that the Israelis targeted last night, has been active in nearly every nation globally, including the United States, to establish small terror cells worldwide. Hezbollah has been engaged in similar activities.
Meanwhile, the president enjoys a positive approval rating among voters as the public anticipates his strategy for addressing Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
According to the most recent Napolitan News Survey, Trump garnered a 53% approval rating among registered voters, an increase from 51% two weeks prior, while his disapproval rating remained unchanged at 46%.
The economy and immigration remain the primary concerns for voters, with 24% identifying the economy and 23% highlighting immigration as the most pressing issues. War and international affairs were deemed less critical, with only 9% prioritizing them.
On Thursday, Trump provided a brief yet foreboding response when a reporter inquired about Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s refusal to comply with Israeli and U.S. demands to terminate Iran’s nuclear program.
“What do you say to the supreme leader of Iran, who states that they will not yield?” a reporter questioned. “I say good luck,” the president responded.
