President Donald Trump held an extensive press gaggle aboard Air Force One on October 24, 2025, previewing a major Asia-Pacific trip and addressing multiple foreign policy flashpoints.
Summarization assistance by Claude AI.
Summary
President Donald Trump held an extensive press gaggle aboard Air Force One on October 24, 2025, previewing a major Asia-Pacific trip and addressing multiple foreign policy flashpoints. The President confirmed he’s heading into negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping while maintaining a punishing 157% tariff rate, though he suggested both sides would need to make concessions to avoid an even harsher 100% tariff scheduled for November 1st. In a sharp escalation of U.S.-Canada tensions, Trump accused Canada of creating fraudulent advertisements misrepresenting Ronald Reagan’s position on tariffs, calling it “a fraud” that disappointed him deeply. Perhaps most notably, Trump publicly invited North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to meet him at the DMZ during his South Korea stop, asking reporters to “put out the word” since North Korea has “a lot of nuclear weapons, but not a lot of telephone service.” On the domestic front, Trump revealed that an anonymous American patriot donated $130 million to ensure military personnel were paid during the ongoing government shutdown, while blaming Democrats for blocking food stamp funding for 42 million Americans. The President also touted U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence, claimed credit for stopping illegal immigration and drug trafficking, and suggested China could help broker an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, which he said is killing 7,000 soldiers weekly.
Participants
- Donald J. Trump – President of the United States
- Press Pool – Various reporters from multiple news organizations (including Politico and others)
China Trade Negotiations and Tariff Strategy
Trump opened the gaggle by addressing his upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping, expressing optimism despite ongoing trade tensions. When asked what he expected from the meeting, Trump outlined an extensive agenda: “We have a lot of things to discuss, including our farmers, right? I have a lot of things to discuss. The various trade deals that have been made in the past and some broken and some not broken, but we’ve got many, many things. I think it’s gonna turn out to be a very good meeting.”
The 157% Tariff and Potential Escalation
When pressed about whether China needs to make concessions, Trump was unequivocal: “Yeah, sure. They have to make concessions. I guess we would too. Yeah, we’re at 157% tariff for them. And I don’t think that’s sustainable for them, and they wanna get that down. And we want certain things from them.”
The most immediate concern is a potential 100% tariff scheduled for November 1st. When asked about the odds of implementing this additional tariff, Trump declined to predict but made his leverage clear: “I don’t know. I have no odds. I don’t wanna predict odds. I just, I don’t think they would want that. That would not be good for them.” He added cryptically, “And I would, I would like to see it.”
China’s Role in Global Conflicts
Trump indicated he would discuss the Russia-Ukraine war with Xi, describing the conflict’s devastating toll: “One of the things we’ll talk about is the Russia-Ukraine. They’re killing 7,000 people a week soldiers, mostly soldiers. And we’ll certainly be talking about that. He’d like to see that end too.”
The President expressed his belief that China wants stability: “I think China wants to have 10 great years and they can, you know, they can, or they can have some bad years and they don’t want that. And we’re gonna have a very good meeting.”
Canada Relations: The Reagan Controversy
In one of the gaggle’s most heated moments, Trump launched into an extended critique of Canada, accusing the country of deliberately misrepresenting President Ronald Reagan’s position on tariffs.
The Fraudulent Commercial Allegation
Trump described Canada’s actions in stark terms: “Canada lied. I mean, what they did was terrible. They made up a fake statement by President Reagan. Reagan was a big supporter of tariffs when needed. And we need tariffs for national security. And they totally turned it around because they’re getting hurt by tariffs and we’re gaining by tariffs.”
He continued, emphasizing his disappointment: “So they went out and they made a fake commercial. The Reagan Foundation went crazy when they saw it because it was, you know, the opposite. It was the opposite of what Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan liked tariffs. And when necessary, he would use tariffs.”
Trump called the incident “a fraud” and said, “I’m very disappointed in Canada. They lied.”
The Strategic Calculation
When asked what Canada could do to repair relations, Trump suggested he saw little reason to negotiate: “I don’t know. I mean, I’m satisfied with the deal we have. We have a deal right now that’s very good for us. And any deal that would’ve been made would’ve been better for them than the one they have right now. That’s why I was surprised they did this.”
He explained his theory about Canada’s motivation: “They did this to try and influence the Supreme Court.” The President added that he was content with the status quo: “Really, I don’t think there’s much they can do. I just assume leave it the way it is… if you leave it the way it is, it’s very good for us.”
No Meeting with Prime Minister Carney
When asked directly whether he would meet with Prime Minister Carney during the trip, Trump was emphatic: “I don’t have any intention of it, no.”
Japan: New Leadership and Ford Trucks
Trump expressed enthusiasm about meeting Japan’s new Prime Minister Takaichi, particularly because of her connection to the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Personal Connection Through Abe
“I hear great things about her. I think she’s gonna be great. She’s, uh, she was a great friend of Mr. Abe, who was a great man. Prime Minister Abe had a great friend of mine as you know. And he was just a fantastic person. And he liked her a lot, she liked him a lot, so that’s a good sign. I look forward to meeting her.”
The F-150 Proposal
When reporters mentioned that Prime Minister Takaichi was planning to propose purchasing Ford F-150 pickup trucks, Trump responded enthusiastically: “Oh, good. Well, that’s good. They’re great trucks.” After clarification, he quipped, “Well, that’s great. She has good taste. That’s a hot, that’s a hot truck.”
Asked whether he was concerned she might try to renegotiate existing agreements, Trump remained open: “She might, I mean, she might. Look, I’m open to whatever they — We have a great relationship with Japan, and we’re gonna have a fantastic relationship with her. So, we’ll see what happens.”
North Korea: An Open Invitation to Kim Jong-un
In one of the gaggle’s most significant moments, Trump publicly extended an invitation to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to meet at the DMZ during his South Korea visit.
The Public Overture
“Well, I would if he would contact. I mean, I was — the last time I met you, I put it out over the internet that I’m coming to South Korea. If he’d like to meet, I’m open to it, certainly.”
Trump then made an unusual request of the press corps: “I mean, if you, if you want to put out the word, I’m open to it. You know, they don’t have a lot of telephone service. They have a lot of nuclear weapons, but not a lot of telephone service. So I’m open to it. I had a great relationship with him and, uh, he probably knows I’m coming, right? But, uh, you want to put out the word, I’m open to it.”
He reiterated this openness multiple times: “Really, there’s not a lot of ways other than the internet. You know, they have very little telephonic service and, uh- but, uh, he knows I’m coming. And yeah, he would — yeah, I’d, I’d be open to it 100%.”
Nuclear Recognition Question
When asked whether he would recognize North Korea as a nuclear power – which North Korea has said is a precondition for talks – Trump gave a pragmatic response: “Well, I think they are sort of a nuclear power. I mean, I know how many weapons they have. I know everything about ’em. And I’ve had a very good relationship with Kim Jong-Un. When you say they have to be recognized as a nuclear power, well, they got a lot of nuclear weapons. I’ll say that.”
Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand
Trump explained his visit to Malaysia as a gesture of appreciation for their role in facilitating peace between Cambodia and Thailand.
Malaysia’s Diplomatic Role
When asked whether China played a role in establishing peace between Cambodia and Thailand, Trump corrected the record: “Well, they weren’t involved. No, they weren’t involved. Malaysia, Malaysia was involved, actually.”
He elaborated on why Malaysia was on his itinerary: “So, Malaysia helped us. One of the reasons I’m going to Malaysia is they were very, very much involved in the, in the whole thing, with Thailand and all. And, um, I told the leader of Malaysia, who’s a very good man, I said, ‘I think I owe you a trip.’ And that’s why we’re stopping in Malaysia for that reason. Malaysia was very much involved.”
Trade Deal Timelines
Trump indicated that several trade agreements could be finalized during the trip if preparations were complete.
South Korea
“Well, it’s pretty close to being finalized, I think. And so it could be, if they have it ready, I’m ready.”
Malaysia and Cambodia
“Yeah, sure. If they’re, if the deals, if the papers are ready. We have deals with a lot of people and, uh, they’re, they’re very good deals. I, I hope they’re very good for everybody.”
Thailand Uncertainty
There was some uncertainty about a signing ceremony with Thailand’s Prime Minister due to a death in Thailand. When asked about this, Trump acknowledged: “Well, there was a change. Yeah, there was a death. So I don’t know. I really don’t know.”
Government Shutdown: Military Pay and Food Stamps
The ongoing government shutdown emerged as a significant domestic policy topic during the gaggle.
The Anonymous $130 Million Donor
In a remarkable disclosure, Trump revealed that a private citizen had donated $130 million to ensure military personnel received pay during the shutdown.
“He’s a great gentleman. He’s a great patriot. He’s obviously a very substantial man, and he contributed $130 million toward the military in order to make up any difference. So he wanted to see the military get paid. So did I. And he’s a wonderful man. And he doesn’t want publicity. He doesn’t — you know, he’d prefer I think that his name not be mentioned, which is pretty unusual in the world I come from.”
Trump emphasized the donor’s unusual modesty: “And in the world of politics, you want your name mentioned. He doesn’t. He’s a great patriot, he really is. He put up $130 million in order to make sure the — that’s a lot of money, in order to make sure that the military got paid… And he’s a big supporter of mine.”
When asked if the donor was an American citizen, Trump confirmed: “It is, yeah. Great American citizen.”
Food Stamps for 42 Million Americans
When asked about legislation to allow 42 million Americans to continue receiving food stamps during the shutdown, Trump blamed Democrats entirely.
“I’m going to let some other people talk to you. I’ll have a comment on that later. But the Democrats are stopping it. All they have to do is agree to let’s go and we’re ready. But –and we voted for it many times. All we need is five Democrats. The Republicans vote for it. But, uh, we’ll see what happens.”
He continued with harsh criticism: “But, really, this is purely Democrat. They’re doing some really bad things. I think they’re – they’re lost – they’re lost souls. You know who that is? So, they are lost souls.”
Negotiations with Democratic Leadership
When asked whether he would sit down with Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer after the trip, Trump indicated willingness but placed conditions on Democrats.
“I would. I’d be willing to. Uh, I would’ve now too. You know, I left. I said, ‘Come on over. Just put the government back.’ All they have to do is say yes and it’s over. Then we start. And then we go into a negotiation. Look, Obamacare has been terrible. We can make it better. I’m all for that, but they’re not.”
He then pivoted to immigration: “And they- they want to allow many, many illegal — people that came into our country illegally from prisons, from mental institutions, from all over the world. They want them to get paid. And that’s gonna hurt the citizens of our country. And I just can’t do it.”
Russia-Ukraine War and Sanctions
Trump discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia and the possibility of Chinese assistance in ending the conflict.
Sanctions Strategy
“We would love China to help us out with Russia. We put very big sanctions on Russia. I think those sanctions are gonna be, you know, they’re very biting, they’re very strong. But I’d like to see China help us out. I have a good relationship with, as you know, President Xi. Very good. We’re gonna be meeting.”
The Human Toll
Trump emphasized the devastating casualties: “One of the things we’ll talk about is the Russia-Ukraine. They’re killing 7,000 people a week soldiers, mostly soldiers.”
Putin’s Response
When asked whether he worried the sanctions might push Putin too far, Trump downplayed the concern: “I don’t think so. No, I don’t think so. He’s, he’s saying, ‘Well, they won’t have that much of an effect.’ So I don’t know. That’s what he says. I don’t, I don’t think he’s right about that, but we’ll see. We’ll see what happens. I think he’d like to see it over with.”
Taiwan Policy
Trump was notably cautious when discussing Taiwan, declining to elaborate on potential policy changes.
When asked whether he thought China would make moves on Taiwan, he was noncommittal: “I don’t know. I hope they won’t. We’ll have to see. Maybe they will, maybe they won’t. I hope they won’t. I think it would be very dangerous for them to do.”
Asked directly whether he was open to changing U.S. policy on Taiwan, Trump deflected: “Well, I don’t want to talk about that now. I don’t want to create any complexity. The trip is already complex enough, right?”
Agricultural Support and Farmers
Trump addressed the impact of trade tensions on American farmers and ranchers.
Subsidies if No Deal Reached
“Well, we’re gonna subsidize them. We’ll give them some money because it’s not their fault. They’ve been doing very well. They did very well under me. Even if you look at the ranchers, the ranchers for the first time in years have made some money, but the beef prices are up a little bit. So, uh, we’ll have to make a determination.”
Ranchers’ Success
He highlighted improved conditions for ranchers: “But the ranchers are very happy ’cause, you know, for many years they suffered. Now they’re making a little money. They’re making some money, and that’s a good thing. You know, I’m happy about that.”
Venezuela and Drug Trafficking
Trump made sweeping claims about stopping drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
Drug Interdiction Claims
When asked about potential land targets in Venezuela, Trump focused on drug enforcement: “I can tell you one thing. We stopped all drugs virtually from coming in by sea and will stop all drugs from coming in by land very shortly. You’ll see that starting. They’re not gonna want to do that. They’re not gonna want to do that. But you’re gonna see, you’re gonna see drugs stopping coming into our country.”
Immigration Numbers
He made dramatic claims about illegal immigration: “We have stopped virtually everybody from coming in. Other than people that want to come in legally. You know, we have a lot of people coming in legally, passing tests, going through a process. But we don’t have people coming in from prisons and from mental institutions and the drug dealers. We don’t have ’em coming in. We have almost nobody. We really have nobody, if, you know it. For five months in a row, they had zero people come in. And we used to have a million and two million and three million people coming in.”
Brazil Relations
Trump briefly addressed his relationship with Brazilian President Lula.
United Nations Encounter
“We met, we met at the United Nations briefly just before I went on, and there was no teleprompter. They didn’t allow my teleprompter to work. How about that one? But I gave a good speech anyway.”
Tariff Flexibility
When asked whether he was open to reducing tariffs on Brazil, Trump responded: “Yeah, under the right circumstances, sure.”
Artificial Intelligence Leadership
Trump touted American dominance in AI development and related economic benefits.
AI Superiority Claims
“Well, we are leading AI. We’re leading China in AI. We’re leading everybody in AI. We’re doing very well. We have plants being built all over the country. We’re gonna have maybe 20, $21 trillion by the time our first year’s up. Nobody’s ever had number — We’ve already hit $17 trillion. Nobody’s ever, no country has ever hit numbers like that.”
Investment and Manufacturing
“That’s investment into our country. We have auto factories open. You saw General Motors yesterday and Ford, they took a big leap forward because of tariffs. But they took a big leap. They went way up.”
Tariffs and National Security Philosophy
Throughout the gaggle, Trump repeatedly connected his tariff policies to broader themes of national security, economic strength, and international respect.
Historical Justification
“Reagan was a big supporter of tariffs when needed. And we need tariffs for national security… It’s made us a very rich country. Uh, it’s also made us, uh, when they were used against us, it was not good for us. But we’ve used it very successfully, we have the highest stock market we’ve ever had. We have great national security. I’ve settled wars because of tariffs.”
Presidential Authority
“And a president has the right to use tariffs, especially when it comes to national security. And we need it for national security, even including our own wealth, and paying down debt, and all of the other things.”
Current Results
“We’re respected again, as really respected as a country. And a lot of that has to do with the tariffs. The tariffs are giving us national security and strength.”
Source
“Press Gaggle: Donald Trump Speaks to Reporters On Air Force One – October 24, 2025.” Factbase, 24 Oct. 2025.