President Donald Trump recently met with several African presidents to discuss a variety of pressing issues. The briefing, which touched on everything from peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the ongoing war in Ukraine, offered a unique glimpse into the complex web of global affairs and Trump’s unfiltered perspective on them.
The conference began with a moment that captured headlines around the world. A reporter inquired about the possibility of Trump being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in brokering peace in the DRC. This question was met with surprising support from the African leaders present. One leader explicitly stated his belief that Trump "deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in the region of DRC and Rwanda." Another, from Mauritania, echoed this sentiment, confirming he would not be opposed to such a nomination. Trump, for his part, responded to a question about visiting Africa by stating he would like to, depending on his schedule.
The conversation quickly shifted to a series of sharp questions from reporters, to which Trump responded with characteristic directness. When asked about former officials James Comey and John Brennan, he labeled them "very dishonest people" and suggested they may "have to pay a price." He also addressed a perceived threat from an Iranian official about a drone strike with a dismissive and sarcastic remark.
On the domestic front, Trump weighed in on a new bill from Democratic senators regarding IDs for ICE and CBP officers, calling it a move that puts officers in "great danger." He also touched on his controversial tariff policies, which he defended as a matter of "common sense" that has brought in "hundreds of billions of dollars" and encouraged foreign companies to build plants in the U.S.
The conversation also delved into major international conflicts. When asked about a request from Ukraine for a Patriot air defense system, Trump confirmed the request was being considered. However, he lamented the high cost of the war, claiming it "would have never happened if I were president." He also offered a hopeful, though unconfirmed, prediction about the conflict in Gaza, stating there was a "very good chance" of a settlement or agreement happening "this week or next week."
Finally, Trump used the platform to express his support for the IRS's decision to allow churches to endorse political candidates, calling it "terrific." He also reacted to an alleged ambush on an ICE office, blaming "very stupid people" with money for funding such activities and calling for "very very stiff" penalties for those found guilty.
