President Donald Trump mixed up Ukraine and Iran during a rambling press conference in the Oval Office on Wednesday, as he speculated about which war might end first. The president was hosting the crew of the Artemis II lunar mission when he fielded questions from reporters, veering from UFOs to his recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump said he discussed Ukraine and Iran with Putin, adding that the Russian leader would “like to be involved” with resolving Iran’s possession of enriched uranium. Trump claimed he suggested a ceasefire to Putin, who “might announce something” on the matter. However, when asked which conflict—the US-led war against Iran or Russia’s war in Ukraine—would end sooner, Trump replied, “I don't know. Maybe they're on a similar timetable,” before mistakenly referring to Ukraine as “defeated,” a term he often uses for Iran.
The president also weighed in on the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey, who turned himself in earlier that day after being indicted for allegedly threatening Trump’s life. The charge stems from a social media post by Comey featuring seashells spelling “86 47,” which the Justice Department claims was an imminent threat. Trump suggested the term “86” had mob origins, meaning “kill him,” despite legal experts doubting the charges will survive court scrutiny.
Trump was also asked about King Charles III’s speech to Congress, where the monarch strongly defended NATO. Trump expressed disappointment that NATO members, including the UK, did not join the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran in February. Nonetheless, he praised the King as “fantastic” and a “great friend,” saying he “loved” his remarks.
