WH Pool Report 5 - Qs on fraud incentive program, Iran, France, Ukraine, and Russia

President Trump took Qs on the fraud incentive program, Iran, France, Ukraine, and Russia.

Trump said the amount of fraud, he believed, would make a "tremendous difference" on the deficit and that he is "going to be strong on the budget" this year.

The president said that France is facing "an immigration problem."

Asked if he would endorse Marine Le Pen in France, Trump said he doesn’t know her but thinks she was treated badly.

He said he watched the protests in France, and "that wasn't a little bit of a riot, that wasn't a little bit of a protest, that was a full on revolution, and it continues."

Asked if he thinks the peace process is back on track with meetings between Witkoff, Kushner and Ukraine in Norway, and what his expectations are, Trump said he thinks Russia "would like to get it done."

"I think that....Russia's a big machine.

They just keep grinding forward, and that's what they've done," Trump said. He continued, "Ukraine has to want to settle this war.

Zelensky has to want to settle this war. And if he doesn't, I think it's gonna be a very bad thing." Trump said the U.S. got nothing back from Ukraine other than high diesel.

Asked if Russia will free American prisoner Stephen Hubbard, "watch what happens.
We have been focused on Hubbard...I've asked him to release him. Let's see what happens, okay?"

President Trump said Rep. Ilhan Omar could go to jail. "This is just my opinion. I think she's a very sick and very dishonest person, who hates our country."

On rural voters being unhappy with the economy, Trump said the war will end soon and bring relief on gas prices. "As soon as that war is over, oil is gonna drop like a rock, and that's the only thing holding it back. No, we have tremendous support. You know, when people are unhappy with the oil, they just sound trivial...It's a big price, but actually, it's a small price to pay for not letting Iran have a nuclear weapon."

Several times during the gaggle the president snapped at reporter Andrew Feinberg as he tried to ask questions.

Trump shook his head when asked about VP Vance saying last night he thinks Trump would endorse him in 2028. "We have literally never talked about it."

Before wrapping up, the president remarked that "the president always loses for whatever reason, the midterms. Whoever it is, Republican Democrat, great president, lousy president, for some reason."

Also in the Oval Office: Natalie Harp, Walt Nauta.

Spotted getting a tour of the Rose Garden as we left the Oval: NASCAR driver Richard Petty in his signature black hat. Trump is going to NC tonight for a rally where Petty is from.

Meridith McGraw
WALL STREET JOURNAL