US President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered a wide-ranging speech at an event in Michigan, claiming major economic achievements at home while defending US actions abroad, particularly in Venezuela and the Middle East.
Trump sharply criticized the previous Biden administration, saying the United States experienced “the worst inflation in its history” during that period. He asserted that his administration took “immediate actions” to curb inflation, claiming that price pressures have since declined while economic growth is “increasing rapidly.”
On foreign policy, Trump defended US involvement in Venezuela, calling it “the best and most successful attack in history.” He said US actions would ultimately “strengthen Venezuela and reduce oil prices,” adding that the United States would take “several million barrels of oil” from the country.
Trump also claimed the US would take as much as “50 million barrels of oil per day,” while noting that even the world’s largest oil tanker can carry only about one million barrels.
Trump argued that those opposing US intervention in Venezuela “hate America,” framing the issue as one of national interest. He also claimed that obstacles to peace in the Middle East were removed by eliminating Iranian nuclear capabilities, and cited the killings of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani as major successes of his administration.
Turning to trade, Trump strongly defended tariffs, saying critics of his tariff policies are “supporters of China.” He claimed that China now pays the United States “the most in taxes,” while also stressing that he maintains “good relations” with China’s president. Trump alleged that some China supporters have taken legal action against his tariff policies.
On the economy, Trump said his administration has “economically strengthened America” and claimed to have brought in $18 trillion in investment within a single year. He told supporters that “those who stay with me make money,” while criticizing business figures who later opposed tariffs after initially benefiting from his policies.
Closing his remarks, Trump reiterated his long-standing slogan, saying, “For me, America comes first; nothing can come in between.”
