President-elect Donald Trump addressed reporters in a wide-ranging news conference on Monday, in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, covering topics from vaccine access to pharmaceutical prices, the potential TikTok ban, and his evolving political relationships. The event marked Trump’s first public Q&A since his election victory.
The lengthy press conference was a stark contrast to President Joe Biden’s more reserved public presence.
Access to polio vaccine amid vaccine skepticism
Trump sought to ease concerns over vaccine policy by affirming that the polio vaccine will remain accessible, despite his appointment of prominent vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary.
“You’re not going to lose the polio vaccine,” Trump said, addressing fears following reports of a petition filed by one of Kennedy’s advisers to revoke its approval.
Trump highlighted the high costs of pharmaceuticals, blaming ‘middlemen’ for inflating prices. (AP photo)
Trump acknowledged concerns about rising autism diagnoses, reiterating his belief that there might be an undiscovered cause. “[Kennedy] is going to be much less radical than you would think,” Trump said, defending his pick while expressing a commitment to investigating autism rates further.
Lowering drug prices
Trump highlighted the high costs of pharmaceuticals, blaming “middlemen” for inflating prices.
During a recent dinner with Kennedy, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and pharmaceutical executives, Trump discussed his plans to address the issue. “I don’t know who these middlemen are, but they are rich as hell,” Trump remarked, pledging to prioritize affordability for consumers.
Skepticism over Lara Trump’s potential Senate appointment
Trump also hinted at the possibility of intervening in the looming TikTok ban. (AP photo)
Trump expressed doubt about reports that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis might appoint his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to replace outgoing Senator Marco Rubio. While praising Lara Trump’s work at the Republican National Committee, he said, “I probably don’t [expect it], but I don’t know.”
Intervening in TikTok ban
Trump hinted at the possibility of intervening in the looming TikTok ban, crediting the platform for helping him connect with younger voters during his campaign. “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” Trump said, without offering specific plans.
TikTok must sever ties with its China-based parent company or face a ban by mid-January under federal law. Trump’s Justice Department will likely play a key role in enforcing the regulation once he takes office.
‘Everybody wants to be my friend’
Reflecting on his second election victory, Trump noted a shift in his relationships with business leaders. “This term, everybody wants to be my friend,” he said, contrasting it with the opposition he faced during his first presidency.
Since his election, Trump has met with top Silicon Valley figures, including Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook, and plans to meet Amazon founder Jeff Bezos later this week.
(With inputs from AP)
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