President-elect Donald Trump held a wide-ranging news conference with reporters Monday in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, covering the topics of access to vaccines, a possible TikTok ban, and his evolving political connections. Addressed. The event marked Trump’s first public Q&A since his election victory.
The lengthy press conference was in contrast to President Joe Biden’s more reserved public appearances.
Access to polio vaccine amid vaccine skepticism
Trump sought to ease concerns about vaccine policy by confirming that the polio vaccine would remain accessible, even as he appointed prominent vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary.
“You’re not going to lose the polio vaccine,” Trump said, addressing fears of a petition filed by one of Kennedy’s advisers to overturn its approval.
Trump acknowledged concern about rising autism diagnoses, reiterating his belief that there may be an unknown cause. “(Kennedy) is going to be a lot less radical than you think,” Trump said in defense of his choice, pledging to further research autism rates.
Reducing drug prices
Trump highlighted the high cost of drugs, blaming “middlemen” for price increases.
Kennedy, Dr. During a recent dinner with Mehmet Oz and pharmaceutical executives, Trump discussed his plans to address the issue. “I don’t know who these middlemen are, but they’re rich as hell,” Trump remarked, pledging to prioritize affordability for consumers.
Doubts on Lara Trump’s Possible Senate Appointment
Trump cast doubt on reports that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis may appoint daughter-in-law Lara Trump to replace outgoing Senator Marco Rubio. Praising Lara Trump’s work at the Republican National Committee, he said, “I probably don’t (expect it), but I don’t know.”
Interference with the TikTok ban
Trump hinted at the possibility of interfering with the TikTok ban, crediting the platform for helping him connect with young voters during his campaign. “I have a warm place in my heart for TikTok,” Trump said, without offering any specific plans.
TikTok must sever ties with its China-based parent company or face a ban under federal law by mid-January. Trump’s Justice Department is likely to play a key role in enforcing the rules once he takes office.
‘Everybody wants to be my friend’
Reflecting on his second election victory, Trump noted a shift in his relationship with business leaders. “This position, everybody wants to be my friend,” he said, defying 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 plans to meet with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos later this week.
(with input from AP)
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