Trump says Iran war is ending, defends Hegseth from impeachment bid
The President cited 301 percent inflation and damaged military assets in Tehran while dismissing Republican calls to remove the Defense Secretary.
By Alyssa Parker ·
President Donald Trump declared on Monday that the military campaign against Iran is nearing completion.
Speaking at an unscheduled press briefing at the White House, Trump stated that further major strikes do not appear necessary at this time. He noted that American forces remain ready to resume operations if conditions change. The current military pressure continues partly at the request of neighboring countries. Trump expressed confidence that the region is now protected from Iranian threats.
The President claimed the campaign has achieved its primary objectives. He described Iran as militarily effective over. Trump cited specific figures to support his assessment. He said Iranian inflation stands at 301 percent. He stated that 158 Iranian ships are underwater and 268 aircraft are scattered across runways. According to Trump, approximately 85 percent of Iranian military capabilities are destroyed. He did not provide independent evidence for these numbers during the briefing.
The administration is maintaining pressure through a naval blockade. A new initiative called Task Force Iron Gate aims to restrict Iranian supply routes over land. Trump noted that three aircraft carriers are deployed in or arriving in the Middle East. He also mentioned increased production of Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems and Tomahawk cruise missiles. He argued that lower energy costs help political opponents, but said preventing a nuclear Iran justifies the campaign.
Trump addressed the impeachment effort against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced the measure earlier that day. Trump dismissed Massie, calling him a loser and criticizing his voting record on Republican legislation. Trump argued that Hegseth deserves recognition for winning wars in Venezuela and Iran. He contrasted these successes with previous American engagements in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He said military recruitment has improved and that soldiers respect the Secretary.
The President discussed allegations concerning Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Trump revealed he had spoken to Huang earlier that day. He expressed surprise at reports linking Huang to a woman suspected of ties to Chinese intelligence. Trump described Huang as a high-quality person he has known for a long time. He suggested the controversy has taken a personal toll on Huang’s family. The FBI is examining a related matter. Trump stated that Huang told him he did not know the person in question was a spy. He said he truly believes Huang.
In other remarks, Trump questioned the results of recent midterm elections. He alleged that candidate Dan Sullivan was fraudulently put in the Alaska Senate race to confuse voters. These claims were not substantiated during the briefing. Trump defended White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. He described Miller as smart, tough, and fair. He insisted the administration’s immigration policy focuses on the worst of the worst with no amnesty.
