Falling energy prices could pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the war in Ukraine, according to US President Donald Trump. “If energy prices fall enough, Putin will stop killing people,” Trump said characteristically in his CNBC interview. “If energy drops another $10 per barrel, he’ll have no choice, because his economy is in bad shape,” Trump added.
Read: Putin: Attack from his secret daughter – “Reminds me who I am and who destroyed my life”
Trump: Candidates for Fed presidency and Adriana Kugler’s replacement
Meanwhile, he stated that he will soon announce his decisions regarding the short-term replacement of Federal Reserve Board member Adriana Kugler, who announced her resignation on Friday, as well as his choice for the next Fed chairman. The American president said the White House is considering four candidates to replace current chairman Jerome Powell, whose term expires in May 2026, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is not one of them, as Bessent wishes to remain in his current position.
“I love Scott, but he wants to stay where he is,” Trump said characteristically. “I asked him last night: ‘Is this something you want?’ Bessent said: ‘No, I want to stay where I am. I want to work with you. It’s a great honor.’ I replied: ‘That’s very nice. I appreciate it very much.'” Among potential candidates are former governor Kevin Warsh and Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council and key Trump advisor. Both favor lowering interest rates. “Both Kevins are very good, and there are others who are also very good,” Trump noted.
Tariffs on India over Russian oil and banks
Meanwhile, he stated that he will “very much” increase tariffs on imports from India from the current 25% rate within the next 24 hours, given that India continues to buy Russian oil. “They’re feeding the war machine and, if they’re going to do that, then I won’t be happy,” Trump declared, adding that the main point of disagreement with India is that its tariffs are too high. It should be noted that Trump did not announce the new tariff rate for India.
The US President also expressed his belief that banks discriminate against his supporters, adding that Bank of America and JP Morgan had discriminated against him in the past, refusing to accept his deposits.
“I think they discriminate against me more, but they also discriminate against many conservatives,” Trump stated and added: “I think the expression that fits better is ‘Trump supporters’ rather than conservatives.”
Presidential candidacy
Furthermore, Trump stated that he will probably not run again for the US presidency.
