WH in-town pool report #8 Quotes on Epstein case, Schiff, Texas redistricting and more
- From
- Joseph Garrison
- Sent
- Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 2:46 PM
Here are more quotes from President Trump’s gaggle on the North Lawn before boarding Marine One this afternoon.
Check the quotes against the Otter feed I sent earlier – or better yet, check it against video of Trump’s gaggle. Here is a link from C-SPAN.
Trump touting tariffs:
“We have tariffs going on because we want tariffs and we want the money coming into the United States.”
Are you on Ukraine’s side now?
“I’m on nobody’s side. You know who side I’m on? Humanity’s side. I want to stop the killing of thousands of people.”
Your daughter-in-law said there should be transparency in the Epstein case. Do you agree with her?
“The attorney general has handed that very well. She’s really done a very good job. I think when you look at it, you’ll understand that. I would like to see that also, but the credibility is very import.”
Did the attorney general tell you that your name appeared in the Epstein files?
“No, no. She’s given us just a very quick briefing in terms of the credibility of the different things that they’ve seen. I would say that, you know, these files were made up by Comey. They were made up by Obama. They were made up by the Bidens. And we went through years of that with the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax.”
On Texas, how many more seats to you want the Republicans to draw?
“Five.”
What if California, New York and Illinois and other blue states (create new Democratic congressional districts)?
“Well, that’s fine, too, but five – I think we get five. And there could be some other states where we’re going to get three or four or five. Texas will be the biggest one.”
When was the last tine you spoke to Jerome Powell?
“When he was in my office.”
What did you tell him when he was in your office?
“I told him he’s doing a very bad job. He’s way late. That’s why I call him “Too Late.” Jerome Powell is too late.
Are you going to appoint Powell for another term?
“You must be kidding? Why would you waste a question like that?”
Are you still negotiating with the EU?
“We are talking with the EU, and we’re making progress. But look, you know, we already have a deal with the EU. It’s called the letter that was sent out. I think it was 30%. That’s the EU.”
Trump on Cuomo staying in the NYC mayor’s race:
“I think he’s got a shot,” Trump said, declining to say when asked who he prefers who wins. “I think Andrew would have a good shot of winning. You know, he’s running against a communist? I would think he would have a good shot.”
Trump on trip to Scotland:
“We’re going to be meeting with the British prime minister … probably in Aberdeen … and we’re going to also refine the trade deal that we made.” He adds that they will probably meet at one of his properties in Scotland.
Me: Do you have a message for the EU if they choose to retaliate to your tariffs?
“I don’t know how they can retaliate, you know. They made a lot of money. They’ve treated us very badly, but now they’re treating us very nicely. I think everybody’s going to be happy with the EU.”
Trump on possibly meeting the pope:
“I would do it. I have a lot of respect. I really like his brother … He’s MAGA all the way. I like the pope’s brother and I think I like the pope.”
More on Putin:
“So far, I’ve been very disappointed in President Putin. I’ve solved a lot of wars in the last three months, but I haven’t gotten this one yet. This is a Biden war. It’s not a Trump war. I’m here to try and get us out of that mess.”
Trump on Brazil’s Bolsonaro:
“President Bolsonaro is a good man. I’ve gotten to know a lot of prime ministers and president, and kings and queens. And I know him, and I’m pretty good at this. President Bolsonaro is not a dishonest man. He loves the people of Brazil.”
You said you want Adam Schiff brought to justice. Does that mean jail?
“I think Adam Schiff is one of the lowest of the low. He is a dishonest, crooked guy. I don’t know about the individual charge, if that even happens. But Adam Schiff is a serious low life.”
AOC is hosting Zohran Mamdani in Washington tomorrow morning for a breakfast. Were you invited?
“I’d really love to go. I mean, I look forward to meeting them both. I know them both really well from what I read and from what I see. Look, he’s a communist. I don’t think our country is ready for a communist, but we’re going to see. And I don’t think that race is over yet, either.”
“AOC, look. I think she’s very nice. But she’s very low IQ. And we really don’t need IQ. Between here and Crockett, we’re going to give them both an IQ test to see who comes out best.”
Trump started to walk toward Marine One at this point … but then he returned to a different section of the line of reporters and took a couple of more questions. Thanks to Emily Goodin of the Daily Mail for the Otter of the side gaggle.
Trump on alleged mortgage fraud from Schiff:
“I think the thing with Adam Schiff is very serious. And I think what they have on Leticia James is very serious, right? But I have to leave that up to the district attorneys and the prosecutors and to the attorney general, most importantly.”
“Adam Schiff is a low life. He deserves what he gets.”
Have you spoken to Putin since the announcement yesterday?
“I have not.”
Joey Garrison
White House correspondent
USA TODAY
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Twitter: @joeygarrison