WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump told reporters that European leaders would be visiting the White House on September 8 or 9, and that he expects to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon” about ending the war in Ukraine.
Trump’s optimism extended to Gaza, where he said he expects a cease-fire and a deal to release hostages “very soon.”
Despite South Korea’s concern over the arrest of hundreds of workers at a Georgia factory under construction, Trump stated that the country welcomes foreign investment as long as workers are brought in legally.
Here’s what you need to know about Trump’s remarks on September 7, after returning from watching the U.S. Open men’s final in New York:
Trump to meet with European leaders again over Ukraine
Trump stated that individual European leaders, whom he did not name, would visit to discuss how to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump also expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s massive airstrike on Kyiv’s main government buildings.
“The Russia-Ukraine situation, we’re going to get it done,” he said.
He reiterated that he expects to speak with Putin “soon,” as he did after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House in mid-August.
“I’m not happy about the whole war,” Trump stated. “No one has been tougher on President Putin. I am not pleased with Putin.”
Trump gives Hamas ‘last warning’ about Gaza
Trump also expressed optimism that Israel and Hamas in Gaza would reach a cease-fire “very soon.” He stated that there are fewer than 20 hostages left, and the goal is for them to return before any more die.
“I think we’re going to have a deal in Gaza very soon,” Mr. Trump said.
Trump had previously warned Hamas on social media to accept his terms for an agreement without disclosing them publicly, in what he dubbed his “last warning.” Trump claimed Israel had already accepted the proposal.
“We’re working on a solution that may be very good,” Trump told reporters. “You will hear about it soon. We’re trying to end it and get the hostages back.”
Trump urges foreign companies to hire American workers
South Korean officials expressed regret for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid on a Hyundai plant on September 4, which resulted in the arrest of 475 employees. More than 300 South Koreans are returning home.
Trump stated that the incident had not harmed relations between the countries.
He had welcomed foreign investment in the United States, which he predicted would increase as a result of tariffs imposed on imports from other countries around the world. However, he stated that the goal is for foreign investors to hire US workers.
“What we ask in return is that you hire and train American workers,” Trump said, echoing a previous social media post.
Trump ‘a little bit surprised’ about Japan’s prime minister resigning
Shigeru Ishiba, the Japanese Prime Minister, resigned on September 7, accepting responsibility for a string of humiliating election defeats.
Ishiba had just finalized the details of a trade agreement to reduce U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods. But Ishiba claimed he had to accept responsibility for losing majorities in both houses of parliament due to rising living costs.
Trump was “a little bit surprised” by Ishiba’s move.
