President-elect Donald Trump held a press conference Monday in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, where he addressed reporters on a wide range of topics, from vaccine access to drug prices, a possible ban on TikTok and the evolution of Trump’s political relationships. gave a speech. The event was the first public question-and-answer session since Trump’s election victory.
The lengthy press conference was in stark contrast to President Joe Biden’s more subdued presence in public.
Access to polio vaccine amid vaccine skepticism
President Trump has addressed concerns over vaccine policy by asserting that the polio vaccine will remain available, despite appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, as secretary of health. I tried to soften it.
“We’re not going to lose the polio vaccine,” Trump said, citing concerns after reports that one of Kennedy’s advisers had filed a petition to revoke the vaccine’s approval.
President Trump highlighted the high cost of medicines and blamed “middlemen” for driving up prices. (AP photo)
President Trump acknowledged concern about the growing number of people being diagnosed with autism and reiterated his belief that there may be an undiscovered cause. Trump defended his nomination, saying, “(Kennedy) is not as extreme as you think he is,” even as he vowed to further investigate autism rates.
Lowering drug prices
President Trump highlighted the high cost of medicines and blamed “middlemen” for driving up prices.
At a recent dinner with President Kennedy, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and pharmaceutical executives, President Trump discussed plans to address the problem. “I don’t know who these middlemen are, but they’re incredibly rich,” Trump said, pledging to prioritize affordability for consumers.
Doubts about Lara Trump’s chances of becoming a senator
President Trump also hinted at the possibility of intervening in the impending ban on TikTok. (AP photo)
President Trump expressed doubts about reports that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis may nominate his daughter-in-law Lara Trump to replace retiring Sen. Marco Rubio. Although he praised Lara Trump’s work at the Republican National Committee, he said, “I probably don’t (hopefully), but I don’t know.”
Intervening in TikTok ban
President Trump has hinted that he may intervene in the impending ban on TikTok, crediting the platform with helping him connect with young voters during the campaign. President Trump did not offer specific plans, but said, “I have a passion for TikTok.”
TikTok must sever ties with its China-based parent company or face a ban under federal law by mid-January. President Trump’s Justice Department is likely to play a key role in regulatory enforcement once he takes office.
“Everyone wants to be my friend.”
Reflecting on his second election victory, Trump noted a change in his relationship with business leaders. “Everyone wants to be my friend this term,” he said, contrasting it with the opposition he faced during his first term as president.
Since his election, Trump has met with top Silicon Valley figures including Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook, and is scheduled to meet with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos later this week.
(With input from AP)
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