Trump admits very severe problems in Biden-like ramble at Rose Garden event
A long Rose Garden speech
Trump addressed a hand-picked group of first responders about nine hours after landing at the new South Lawn helipad. He had returned from a multi-day campaign swing through mostly safe Republican states and said he was supposed to be sleeping.
His remarks lasted nearly an hour and ranged across campaign travel, investments and politics. Trump said his voice might not hold out as he described a schedule of about one and a half rallies a day, then joked that a robot could take his place on the trail.
Reflections on his time
While discussing investment he attributed to his tariffs, Trump acknowledged that another president would eventually take his place. He said he wanted that successor to report the greatest growth in the country’s history, then praised his own record.
Trump also complained that his drug-pricing reforms took effect during Biden’s second year and were presented by his successor as Biden’s achievement. Discussing presidential plaques along the Rose Garden colonnade, he said their accounts became more personal closer to his own time in office.
Midterm race comments
With less than a month until the midterm vote, Trump dismissed criticism of his campaign appearances and described them as rallies unlike any others. The speech drew a comparison with Biden, who remained in a polling bubble until a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer persuaded him he lacked enough party support to remain the Democratic presidential nominee.
Trump offered more specific comments about some contests. He called the race involving a Montana congressman he had visited “a little bit of a tight race” and said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had drawn close to James Talarico. Trump said he would return to campaign if needed because, as he put it, “we got to win these races.”
The remark about problems
Trump made the “serious problems” remark while explaining that he does not drink, smoke or take drugs. He quickly anticipated questions from the press and told Todd he would have to defend him, adding that he did not know what the problems were and had been having fun.
The comment recalled gaffes associated with Biden at a similar point in his term, including remarks about an uncle supposedly eaten by cannibals and references to “President Putin” of Ukraine and “Vice President Trump” at a NATO summit. The account ends as Trump told guests to eat and suggested music.
Key points
- Trump’s Rose Garden remarks lasted nearly an hour after a multi-day campaign trip.
- He joked about a robot double and acknowledged that another president would follow him.
- Trump described tight races in Montana and Texas and said he would return if needed.
- He called his problems “serious,” then said he was joking and did not know what they were.