WASHINGTON (USA) (ITALPRESS) – “I asked Putin not to shoot on Kiev, cities and countries for a week during this period. It was really important. It is not what they need, missiles that hit cities and countries. So I thought it was right to say it. And Ukraine was almost surprised, they didn’t believe it, but they were very happy because they were experiencing great difficulties.” To say this is American President Donald Trump at the meeting of the Council of Ministers at the White House, announcing that Putin “has accepted”. The request for a break in the attacks on the Ukrainian capital arrives while Russia hammered the country’s critical infrastructure, leaving many people in different areas without heating in the heart of winter.
During the meeting, Trump also asked Steve Witkoff for an update on the Middle East, where early this week the remains of the last hostage, Ran Gvili, and returned to his family. “Your policy of peace through strength is what made them come home,” said Witkoff addressing the president.
The tycoon then focused on relations with Venezuela, called “strong and positive”: “The main oil companies are already planning investments in Venezuela, which will bring wealth to both the country and the United States,” added Trump, underlining the climate of enthusiasm among Venezuelan citizens, “that in the streets greet with American flags.” Trump said he had informed Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday that it will open all commercial air space on Venezuela and that Americans will soon be able to visit it. The President said he had appointed the Secretary for Transport of the United States, Sean Duffy, and US military leaders to reopen air space by the end of Thursday. “American citizens will be very soon able to go to Venezuela and will be safe there,” he said, recalling that this measure marks a change compared to the suspension of business travel in the United States in 2019.
During the cabinet meeting, Trump also announced that “the next week” will make known his choice for Jerome Powell’s succession to the Federal Reserve. The President criticised Powell for not reducing reference interest rates to the extent desired by the White House, reaffirming the need for a more favourable approach to growth. While recalling that Powell’s mandate as president of the Fed will expire in May, Trump stressed that the central banker could remain in the Board of Governors until 2028, affecting the administration’s ability to proceed with new appointments. “My choice will do a good job,” Trump assured, saying he wanted to cut rates in the presence of signs of economic expansion.
Trump then highlighted the internal results of his administration: “We had an extraordinary year, the most successful of any administration in American history”, with records of economic growth, historical reduction of the crime rate and strengthening security at borders. “In the last eight months no illegal immigrant has been admitted,” he added. On the economic front, the president cited GDP growth in the fourth quarter, stock market records and positive effects of tariffs, including 12 billion dollars for farmers. “The families are seeing real income increases higher than inflation and billion more in savings and pension plans,” he explained.
Trump also mentioned the fall in gasoline prices, food and hotels, defining the situation “net improvement” compared to previous years, and announced record tax refunds for American citizens, with average amounts greater than over a thousand dollars compared to the past. The president finally claimed the success of his foreign and domestic policy, citing the closure of eight international conflicts and the strengthening of national security, promising an “incredible and extraordinary year” for the United States.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
