US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Americans\u2019 financial struggles are not a factor in his decision-making as he seeks to negotiate an end to the Iran war, saying that preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon is his top priority.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Asked by a reporter to what extent Americans\u2019 financial situations were motivating him to strike a deal, Trump said: \u201cNot even a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
“The only thing that matters, when I\u2019m talking about Iran, they can\u2019t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said before departing the White House for a trip to China. “I don\u2019t think about Americans\u2019 financial situation. I don\u2019t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That\u2019s all. That’s \u2060the only thing \u2060that motivates me.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Trump’s remarks are likely to draw scrutiny from critics who argue the administration should balance geopolitical objectives with the economic impact on Americans, particularly as cost-of-living concerns remain a top issue for voters ahead of the November midterm elections.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Asked to elaborate on the president’s comments, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said that Trump’s “ultimate responsibility is the safety and security \u2060of Americans. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and if action wasn\u2019t taken, they\u2019d have one, which threatens all Americans.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Trump is under growing pressure from fellow Republicans who fear economic pain caused by the war could spark a backlash against the party and cost it control of the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate in November.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Rising energy costs linked to the Iran conflict have pushed up gasoline prices and contributed to inflation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
US consumer inflation in April posted its largest gain in three years, according to data released on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Trump framed his approach as a matter of national and \u2060global security, suggesting \u2060economic concerns were secondary to preventing nuclear proliferation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In Beijing, Trump is set to hold a highly anticipated summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’re the two superpowers,\u201d Trump told reporters as he departed the White House. \u201cWe’re the strongest nation on Earth in terms of military. China\u2019s considered second.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Trump administration hopes to begin the process of establishing a \u201cBoard of Trade\u201d with China to address differences between the countries. The board could help prevent the trade war ignited last year after Trump’s tariff hikes, an action China countered through its control of rare earth minerals. That led to a one-year truce last October.<\/p>\n