Trump Discusses Shutdown and Pardon Controversy on ’60 Minutes’
In a recent interview on ’60 Minutes,’ President Donald Trump addressed a range of contentious topics, including the government shutdown and immigration policies, while also discussing the pardon he granted to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao.
Trump on Zhao Pardon and Crypto Controversy
During his interview, Trump expressed a surprising lack of knowledge about Changpeng Zhao, despite having issued a pardon for him. Zhao had pleaded guilty to violations of anti-money laundering laws before receiving the pardon last month.
When questioned about his decision, Trump claimed, “I don’t know who he is…I heard it was a Biden witch hunt.” The interviewer, Norah O’Donnell, noted that Binance was pivotal in facilitating a $2 billion purchase connected to the Trump family’s crypto interests.
Trump dismissed concerns about potential conflicts of interest by stating, “I know nothing about it because I’m too busy.” He acknowledged his sons’ involvement in cryptocurrency, indicating that he is supportive of their ventures.
Government Shutdown: Trump Blames Democrats
The interview also touched on the ongoing government shutdown, which threatens to become the longest in U.S. history. Trump attributed the stalemate to the Democrats, stating, “The Republicans are voting almost unanimously to end it.” He criticized opposition from Democrats without offering any potential resolution.
He asserted that the Democrats would eventually succumb to pressure, saying, “And if they don’t vote, that’s their problem.”
Affordable Care Act and Healthcare Plans
When discussing healthcare, Trump dismissed the Affordable Care Act (ACA), labeling it “terrible.” He stated that the upcoming expiration of ACA subsidies would lead to higher premiums for many enrollees.
Trump claimed, “We should fix that. We should fix it. And we can fix it with the Democrats,” but did not provide a specific plan when pressed.
Instead, he launched an attack on what he described as Democrats’ priorities: “They want to give money to prisoners, to drug dealers…that were allowed to come in with an open border from Biden.” This assertion contradicted the facts, as undocumented migrants are not eligible for Medicaid or ACA insurance.
Key Takeaways from the Interview
- Trump claimed ignorance over Changpeng Zhao despite pardon.
- He blamed Democrats for ongoing government shutdown.
- No specific healthcare plan was proposed during the interview.
- Trump criticized the ACA, predicting premium increases for enrollees.
Trump’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions surrounding immigration, healthcare, and cryptocurrency as he navigates these complex issues in the public eye.
