Pool Report 5/Q&A

President Trump began taking questions at 12:02.

Trump said he changed course on imposing a 20% fee on the Strait of Hormuz after Gulf Arab leaders called him and offered investments in the US.

"They're going to be making massive investments into the US and I like that much better," Trump said. "I don't like the concept of a fee."

Trump said he believes Sen. Graham died of natural causes, citing family history and known heart issues. He dismissed what he called conspiracy theories, saying "I think the FBI is wasting their time" if investigating.

On Iran, he said it "was a big mistake that they shot first."

Trump said he plans to "make some tremendous music together" with Iraq.

"The Middle East is coming together," he said.

He also celebrated the drop in inflation last month, saying "remember that for the midterms."

Trump confirmed his prime time Thursday speech will pertain in part to voting machines, saying it was "really, really big news. .. it doesn't get bigger."

NATO summit "was a lovefest," he also said.

Energy Secretary Wright and US ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack also were in the room.

The spray ended at 12:29.

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Steven Nelson

New York Post