President Trump Takes Reporter's Questions At Tulsi Gabbard's Swearing-In February 12, 2025

2/12/2025 TIME MARKS:
0:46 - 2:37: Trump’s Praise for Tulsi Gabbard and Her Background
Trump praises Gabbard’s courage, patriotism, and service as a military veteran and congresswoman. He highlights her bipartisan respect and her defense of him against “fake news” during his first term.
2:38 - 4:52: Swearing-In Ceremony Conducted by Attorney General Pam Bondi
Attorney General Pam Bondi administers the oath of office to Gabbard, who swears to uphold the Constitution. Trump signs her commission, and applause follows.
4:53 - 6:28: Trump’s Expectations for Gabbard as DNI
Trump outlines his hopes for Gabbard, including reforming the intelligence community, protecting civil liberties, and focusing on threats like radical Islamic terrorism and internal issues.
6:29 - 9:15: Q&A: Russia-Ukraine War and Calls with Putin and Zelenskyy
A reporter asks about Trump’s calls with Putin and Zelenskyy. Trump confirms he spoke to both, urging peace talks, and hints at meeting Putin in Saudi Arabia, saying “it’s time” to end the war.
9:16 - 11:42: Q&A: Department of Education Closure
Asked about closing the Department of Education, Trump rants about “immediately” dismantling it, arguing states like “35 or 37” could match Nordic countries’ education rankings without federal oversight.
11:43 - 14:08: Q&A: Reciprocal Tariffs and Trade Policy
A reporter questions Trump’s tariff plans. He confirms signing a reciprocal tariffs order that day, promising “billions” in revenue and fairness, targeting countries with high tariffs on U.S. goods.
14:09 - 16:35: Q&A: Government Efficiency and Alleged Fraud
Trump discusses “massive fraud” in government spending, praising Elon Musk’s DOGE for identifying waste. He complains about activist judges blocking his plans and promises a Thursday press conference reveal.
16:36 - 18:22: Q&A: Aircraft Carrier Technology Complaints
Trump digresses into a rant about U.S. aircraft carriers’ electromagnetic catapults, calling them inferior to steam systems and overly expensive, unrelated to Gabbard’s swearing-in.
18:23 - 20:10: Closing Remarks and Wrap-Up
Trump thanks the press (with a “fake news” jab), predicts a “fantastic” future with Gabbard as DNI, and exits amid applause and chatter.

#MAGA