President Trump sat down with Lesley Stahl for a “60 Minutes” interview that aired last night – and to say it was “spirited” in places might be an understatement. While there were no explosions, the exchanges were tense at times – primarily when Stahl felt that he was straying from answering the questions he was being asked. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
Climate Change: Trump says he believes “something” is happening, but also wouldn’t call it a ‘hoax.’ “I don't know that it's man-made. I will say this,” he added. “I don't want to give trillions and trillions of dollars. I don't want to lose millions and millions of jobs. I don't want to be put at a disadvantage.”
Russia: The President maintains he’s as tough on Russia as he needs to be – and as it relates to meddling in the 2016 election – he thinks they didn’t act alone. How’s that? Trump thinks China participated, too.
North Korea: When he was called out for his “we’re in love” commentary regarding North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, he said the term was just a figure of speech. When Stahl pressed that it really came off as more than that, he added, “Look, let it be whatever it is. I get along with him really well. I have a good energy with him. I have a good chemistry with him. Look at the horrible threats that were made. No more threats. No more threats.”
On Melania’s comments about untrustworthy people in the White House: "I'm usually guarded,” he offered. “But I'm not saying I trust everybody in the White House. I'm not a baby. It's a tough business. This is a vicious place. Washington, DC, is a vicious, vicious place. The attacks ... the bad-mouthing, the speaking behind your back. But, you know, and in my way, I feel very comfortable here."
The Mueller Investigation: Probably the testiest exchange happened here – and it was because Stahl tried to get Mr. Trump to pledge that he wouldn’t shut the investigation down. "I don't pledge anything," Trump said. "But I will tell you, I have no intention of doing that. I think it's a very unfair investigation because there was no collusion of any kind."
Trump also had a painting up in the oval that has caused a stir. The painting shows several of his predecessors from Ronald Reagan, both Bushes, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Richard Nixon and more. Check out the painting below.
Source: CBS’ “60 Minutes”