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Trump’s First News Conference Post-Election: Key Takeaways
Recently elected President Donald Trump held an extensive news conference on Monday, offering insights into his policy priorities and ideas for his upcoming administration. Trump’s remarks spanned a variety of topics, including vaccines, pharmaceutical costs, and political appointments, marking his first opportunity to address reporters since his election victory.
Trump spoke for over an hour, reminiscent of his extensive press conferences during his first term, which contrasts sharply with President Joe Biden‘s less frequent interactions with the media.
Vaccines and Health Policy
Among the issues Trump discussed was his stance on vaccines. He expressed support for maintaining access to the polio vaccine while showing hesitancy regarding others. Trump’s choice for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, was defended by Trump, who stated, “You’re not going to lose the polio vaccine. That’s not going to happen.” Trump indicated he would be looking into the costs associated with pharmaceuticals, stating, “We’re paying far too much.”
Over the weekend, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor, reiterated the importance of the polio vaccine after recent reports of efforts to revoke its approval surfaced, connected to Kennedy’s advisors.
During the news conference, Trump seemed to question the link between vaccines and autism—a controversial topic put forth by Kennedy. He commented, “There’s something wrong, and we’re going to find out about it,” without providing specific evidence of a correlation. The reality is that autism diagnosis relies heavily on behavioral assessments, and definitions have broadened over time to encompass a wider spectrum of cases.
Healthcare Costs and Drug Pricing
Trump also highlighted concerns about healthcare costs during his exchange with reporters. He discussed a dinner he held with pharmaceutical executives, where the focus was on the high prices of drugs, noting, “What came out of that meeting is that we’re paying far too much.” He criticized pharmaceutical benefit managers as “horrible middlemen” who increase drug costs without providing clear value.
Political Appointments and Expectations
On the political front, Trump was asked about the potential nomination of his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to the U.S. Senate seat held by Marco Rubio, who was nominated for Secretary of State. He expressed uncertainty about whether Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would appoint her, stating, “I probably don’t, but I don’t know,” emphasizing the ongoing influence of his family in the political arena.
Engagement with Global Leaders
Reiterating his earlier positions, Trump mentioned he would explore options regarding the potential ban of TikTok, a social media platform that played a significant role in reaching younger voters during his campaign. He acknowledged TikTok’s influence and indicated a desire to befriend the platform, stating, “You know, I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok.”
Moreover, Trump discussed his intention to engage in international diplomacy, particularly regarding the crisis in Ukraine. Acknowledging the complexities and challenges of the ongoing conflict, he described it as “a tough one,” and stated his efforts to help mediate, conceding that the situation is dire.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares for his inauguration, Trump noted the warmer reception he has received from business leaders, contrasting it with the hostility he felt during his first term. This shift in dynamics appears to demonstrate a changed landscape as he gears up for another presidential term.
While Trump’s assertive communication and robust interactions with the media might signal a return to his previous style of governance, he also acknowledged that the current geopolitical landscape is fraught with complications that will require careful navigation.
As he continues to set the stage for his upcoming administration, Trump’s comments reflect a blend of ambition, familiarity with contentious issues, and a desire to engage with both American citizens and global leaders alike.
Source
abcnews.go.com