In town note 4 - pool out of oval - trump comments on ice shooting, Comey, Russia

Trump started speaking at 11:40, seated with Erdogan in the Oval Office. Partial quotes below, otter file to follow. But check quotes.

Trump said: “I have great respect for this man”

Said erdogan knows something about stolen elections

“It’s a great honor to have the president of turkey with us.

Called erdogan a “great guy”

Erdogan said: “We are able to carry turkey and us relarions” to a different level

The president said they will talk about trade and sear, including f-35 bombers.

Trump heaped praise on Erdogan and said “this is a tough man. This is a guy who is highly opinionated…he’s a tough one. He does an amazing job in his country.”

But then the president pushed on Russia, saying he would like Turkey to stop buying oil from Russia.

“I said yesterday, let it keep going” because russias economy is struggling

“It’s such a waste of human life…Putin out to stop”

Trump then took qs:

Probably the most interesting comment was when asked about an increase in left-wing violence and the ICE shooting in Dallas, the president said:

“The radical left is causing the problem…they’re really dumb people…it’s going to get worse, and ultimately it’s going to get back on them,” he said. “It will be a point where people will not take it anymore. That will not be good for the radical left.”

Asked about Comey - “I can’t tell you what’s going to happen…I can only say that comey is a bad person.”

On the issue at hand with Erdogan,Trump said they would discuss patriot system and f-35. “I think he’ll be successful in the things he wants to buy”

“We’re going to come to a conclusion by the end of the day.”

Asked about tariffs for countries who don’t stop buying oil from Russia, Trump was non committal but continued to say he was disappointed.

“We’ll see about tariffs.. we’re going to be talking about that.”

Said he had a “great meeting” re: Middle East conflict at unga

“I think we’re getting some kind of deal done” re: Gaza

“We have a very strong dialogue going on with Saudi’s Arabia”

Said he plans to meet with Israel

“We want the hostages back”

“We want them all back at one time”

“Everyone wants to see that war over with, by the way”

On Russia, the President said he believes Erdogan can “have a big influence” in settling Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“Im very disappointed with Putin,” and almost likened him to a paper tiger.

“With all the heavy bombarded over” the last few weeks “they’ve gained almost no land…I think it’s time to stop, I really do.”

Pool left the room around 12:04, after being pushed out by wranglers.

Inside meeting Susie Wiles, VP Vance, Sec of State Rubio and John Ratcliffe were present.

Alex Isenstadt

Senior Political Reporter

Axios

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