In his speech, a day after he paused all military aid to Ukraine, Trump mentioned he had simply acquired a letter from Zelenskyy by which the Ukrainian president mentioned he was “prepared” for peace negotiations and will signal a US-Ukraine minerals sharing deal “any time”.
“Concurrently, we have had critical discussions with Russia and have acquired sturdy indicators that they’re prepared for peace,” Trump mentioned. “Would not that be stunning?”
The pause in assist threatened Kyiv’s efforts to defend in opposition to Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion three years in the past, and additional rattled European leaders anxious that Trump is transferring the US too far towards Moscow.
Whereas Trump has appeared to fault Ukraine for beginning the struggle, a brand new Reuters/Ipsos ballot discovered 70 per cent of Individuals – together with two-thirds of Republicans – say Russia was extra accountable.
Trump additionally doubled down on his controversial vows on “taking again” the Panama Canal and getting Greenland from Denmark “a method or one other”.
“We’d welcome you within the US if you happen to select,” Trump mentioned. “We are going to maintain you secure, we’ll make you wealthy, and collectively we’ll take Greenland to heights you by no means thought attainable earlier than.”
TO MARS … AND BEYOND
As his speech wound down, Trump touched on his tried assassination final 12 months at a rally in Pennsylvania.
“I used to be saved by God to make America nice once more,” Trump repeated.
He then moved to laud America’s previous, current and future, emphasising that “the golden age of America” had solely simply begun.
“We’re a rustic of doers, dreamers, fighters and survivors,” mentioned Trump, proclaiming that the US may also lead humanity into area and plant its flag on Mars “and even far past”.
“This will likely be our biggest space … we’ll combat, combat, combat for the nation our residents imagine in, and the nation our residents deserve.”
