Focus on the BIG picture.
Friday, Jan 16, 2026
Outside the box.
Five Insights From President Trump’s Latest Reuters Oval Office Interview
Donald Trump outlines his distinctive policy stances on the Federal Reserve, Middle East peace, Ukraine, domestic enforcement and upcoming elections in a wide-ranging Reuters interview
In a comprehensive interview with Reuters at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump offered revealing perspectives on economic governance, foreign policy and political strategy that underscore his unconventional approach to leadership in his second term.
The president reiterated that he believes he possesses unique economic insight and that a U.S. president should have input on Federal Reserve policy, even as he affirmed there are no immediate plans to remove current Fed Chair Jerome Powell and signalled upcoming nominations for potential future leadership.
Trump also addressed ongoing international crises, asserting that moves toward a peace agreement in Ukraine hinge on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s willingness to compromise, while expressing optimism that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to negotiate.
On Iran, he maintained a cautious posture, acknowledging reports of reduced protest killings but declining to endorse regime change or present a detailed strategy for U.S. involvement, characterising the situation as evolving.
On the Middle East ceasefire initiative, Trump conceded that elements of his peace agenda have encountered obstacles, noting that demands such as the disarmament of Hamas remain unresolved.
Domestically, he defended aggressive federal enforcement measures, including the deployment of armed officers in cities after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, describing the situation as difficult but underscoring his commitment to law enforcement.
Looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, Trump acknowledged historical trends that could see Republicans lose ground in Congress but suggested that the accomplishments of his administration make electoral contests nearly redundant.
Throughout the interview, the president dismissed criticism from both public polls and members of his own party, emphasising his belief in following his own compass and asserting that his policy decisions are guided by what he sees as correct for the nation’s interests.
The president reiterated that he believes he possesses unique economic insight and that a U.S. president should have input on Federal Reserve policy, even as he affirmed there are no immediate plans to remove current Fed Chair Jerome Powell and signalled upcoming nominations for potential future leadership.
Trump also addressed ongoing international crises, asserting that moves toward a peace agreement in Ukraine hinge on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s willingness to compromise, while expressing optimism that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to negotiate.
On Iran, he maintained a cautious posture, acknowledging reports of reduced protest killings but declining to endorse regime change or present a detailed strategy for U.S. involvement, characterising the situation as evolving.
On the Middle East ceasefire initiative, Trump conceded that elements of his peace agenda have encountered obstacles, noting that demands such as the disarmament of Hamas remain unresolved.
Domestically, he defended aggressive federal enforcement measures, including the deployment of armed officers in cities after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, describing the situation as difficult but underscoring his commitment to law enforcement.
Looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, Trump acknowledged historical trends that could see Republicans lose ground in Congress but suggested that the accomplishments of his administration make electoral contests nearly redundant.
Throughout the interview, the president dismissed criticism from both public polls and members of his own party, emphasising his belief in following his own compass and asserting that his policy decisions are guided by what he sees as correct for the nation’s interests.
