Trump Takes Questions From Reporters On Air Force 1 On The Way Back From G7
President Donald Trump forcefully dismissed reports of a pending ceasefire with Iran in a surprise 1:00 AM press gaggle early Tuesday, contradicting claims from Axios and CNN that his administration was pursuing a diplomatic off-ramp to the escalating conflict. Trump’s unscripted remarks make clear he has no appetite for a return to the status quo — and no tolerance for anonymous officials undercutting his policy agenda.
The president’s remarks came in direct response to media claims that the White House was crafting a deal to halt hostilities between Iran and Israel. “I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate,” Trump said bluntly, adding that Iran should consider “giving up entirely.” That language signals a hardline stance — not toward de-escalation, but toward total strategic defeat of Iran’s regime.
.@POTUS: "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. It's very simple — you don't have to go to too deep into it. They just can't have a nuclear weapon." pic.twitter.com/LBgK3DIluq
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 17, 2025
This follows weeks of accelerated conflict in the region, where Israel’s military has achieved dominance in Iranian airspace, dismantled missile sites, and crippled Tehran’s military infrastructure. Trump’s public posture indicates he views this as the moment to press the advantage — not to compromise.
Asked about Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s March testimony that Iran has no active nuclear weapons program, Trump dismissed it outright:
“I don’t care what she said. I think they were very close to having them.”
REPORTER: "What are you looking for here?"@POTUS: "An end. A real end. Not a ceasefire — an end." pic.twitter.com/EESQ7zzhw1
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 17, 2025
This marked a rare direct rebuke of a high-level cabinet official, suggesting growing internal friction over the administration’s Iran policy. Gabbard’s remarks, likely based on Biden-era intelligence assessments, now appear to be at odds with the president’s strategic calculus.
.@POTUS on Iran: "I told them to do the deal. They should've done the deal. Their cities have been blown to pieces and they've lost a lot of people. They should've done the deal." pic.twitter.com/QSf2ZYbwDM
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 17, 2025
Trump also took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron, who claimed Trump left the G7 summit in Canada to pursue ceasefire negotiations. Trump flatly rejected that notion. His message was clear: Western appeasement won't shape American foreign policy — not on his watch.
Reports of ceasefire planning and Qatari-aligned talking points leaking to the press have sparked concern among Trump’s allies. The administration’s sharp pivot from diplomacy to confrontation has not gone unnoticed. Trump’s comments seem designed to warn internal dissenters that their services may soon be unwelcome if they continue to push back against his directives.
.@POTUS on Iran: "I think they were very close to having" a nuclear weapon. pic.twitter.com/BXOIrJUobk
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 17, 2025
As Iran’s leadership reels from military and cyber setbacks, and with Israel holding uncontested control of the skies, Trump appears resolute. The implication? The time for half-measures is over.