Tammy Bruce (00:00):
Very much for being here. Happy May. May Day is celebrated in a very different way in my world than the usual May Day. But yes, thank you everyone for being here.
(00:11)
We do have an announcement here at the top, as well, and let's get started and then I'll be taking your questions. I won't answer all of them, but I'll be certainly taking them. We're going to try. We're going to try. That's always my effort.
(00:21)
All righty. So, as President Trump passes 100 days in office, he continues to deliver for the American people. President Trump has nominated and the Senate has confirmed more key foreign policy leadership positions in his first 100 days than during the same period of any of the last four administrations.
(00:40)
On Tuesday, Tilman Fertitta has been confirmed by the Senate as our new ambassador designate to Italy and San Marino. Yesterday afternoon in the Oval Office, Secretary Rubio swore in Warren Stephens as the new U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom. Thomas Barrack also took the oath of office yesterday as the new U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, and David Perdue took the oath of office yesterday as Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. President Trump selected each of these talented individuals as his ambassadors to advance U.S. Priorities in each of those countries.
(01:15)
Yesterday, Treasury Secretary Bessent also announced the signing of a historic agreement to establish the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. This economic partnership marks a significant milestone in U.S.-Ukraine relations. This initiative will attract private sector investment, create jobs, develop secure supply chains, and drive economic growth, providing a solid foundation for Ukraine's recovery from the war. President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides' commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.
(01:53)
With that in mind, President Trump and Secretary Rubio have identified Ambassador Julie Davis to serve as the Chargé d'Affaires in Kyiv during this critical moment as we move toward a peace agreement to stop the bloodshed. Ambassador Davis is a distinguished career member of the Senior Foreign Service, holding the rank of Minister-Counselor. With a robust background in international diplomacy, she has served in pivotal roles over the last 30 years. Ambassador Davis is currently serving as the United States Ambassador to Cyprus, a position she has held since February 2023. This moment in time is one that calls for the Department's best, and Ambassador Davis is the President and Secretary's choice.
(02:35)
Also, a quick point of personal privilege. In 100 days, I and the Spokesperson's Office have had 100 press engagements. This is on top of the Secretary's unprecedented transparency in interviews, gaggles, and other press. The Trump administration is, as we now can tell, the most transparent administration in history, and this matters because it allows the American people to not just see what's going on, which they of course deserve, but to be a genuine part of it. It's also a reminder to all of us who is in charge here. The American people tapped President Donald Trump to represent them in this historic endeavor.
(03:21)
And, with that, I will take as many of your questions as I possibly can. Yes?
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Can we get- Oh, can we- Do you want me to do the-
Tammy Bruce (03:30):
Well, yes, let's do that. We'll talk to Andrea Mitchell. Yes, ma'am.
Andrea Mitchell (03:34):
Would the Secretary consider a request from the President that you replace Mike Waltz temporarily in another fashion, if that is something that the President thinks would be good for the country? Is that something that the Secretary would consider?
Tammy Bruce (03:56):
Obviously, I'm not going to jump ahead of thinking what the secretary might say or do in any context. What we do know is that the President is in fact the one who is running this country. It is his leadership and vision that has set the tone and the trajectory and the policy. He has put together a cabinet that understands and operates within a commitment to the nature of the President's vision, and we do know, of course, within all aspects of this, especially with foreign policy, there has been tremendous success in our foreign policy. And, of course, it continues. And that is a dynamic that's not going to change, but is a result of President Trump's vision and his day-to-day work in making the situation possible and functional. And, of course, I would say certainly with what we've done in 100 days with getting people to the table, the nature of what is happening with the Houthis, the fact that Iran is at the table, it is a tremendously successful foreign policy, and whatever the President decides, it will be successful.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Tammy, I'm sorry-
Tammy Bruce (05:06):
All right. Now, so, we've got a lot of activity down here in the first row.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
… can we just read-
Speaker 3 (05:11):
An email has just come out from the President, so-
Tammy Bruce (05:13):
All right, great. Terrific. Terrific.
Speaker 3 (05:15):
The President has just written on Truth Social that Mike Waltz is going to become the new U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Tammy Bruce (05:22):
Well, there you go. Fabulous.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
And, in addition to that, he says that in the interim, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, will serve as National Security Advisor while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Do you know how long he's going to be serving in both roles?
Tammy Bruce (05:40):
It is clear that I just heard this from you. This is… The magic-
Speaker 3 (05:47):
No heads up that this was coming today?
Tammy Bruce (05:48):
Well, I have some insights as to the potential of certain things that might happen. But when the President, and this of course is all presidential decisions, right? So, I'm with the State Department. It is, as I think would be clear to all of you, you don't want to get ahead of your skis in drawing conclusions or speculating about what may occur, and you can have a general sense of what's possible and then you see that manifest, usually, but I think one thing certainly that I've learned is that things don't happen until the President says they're going to happen. So, the fact that that is… Which was that? Obviously Truth Social?
Speaker 1 (06:31):
As in, to the President.
Tammy Bruce (06:32):
Yeah. So, that is the miracle of modern technology and the social media. So, that is an exciting moment here. I think that, as I know Secretary Rubio, this is a man who, as I think you all know, has worn several hats from day one in managing the nature of what's happened here at the State Department, at USAID, and he's someone who's well-known by the President. The President makes perfect assessments about who would implement his agenda, and in this case, he's chosen certainly the Secretary and Mr. Waltz to facilitate his agenda, moving forward. Not entirely surprising, I have to say, and good news for the American people.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Well, you said you have some insights that this might happen. Could you just elaborate on that a little bit?
Tammy Bruce (07:22):
No, no, I can't, but thanks for asking.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Do you have any further-
Andrea Mitchell (07:27):
How, from the insights that you do have, knowing the Secretary-
Tammy Bruce (07:30):
Sure.
Andrea Mitchell (07:30):
… and knowing this building, how do you see this working and what advantages do you see with Secretary Rubio's experience in this new role?
Tammy Bruce (07:40):
Mm-hmm. Well, and also, his experience certainly in the Senate for so long, he knows everyone in the city, he knows how the city and how the departments, how the government works. He has a great connection, certainly as a senator with his constituents, here in this building, with the people who work in this building, and with the American people now as they get to know him. So, his experience… Also, really, we've seen him be at the White House several times a week. His close working relationship day to day with the President happens for a reason, because they work well together. They clearly have been in an environment where they've gotten to know each other very well, and we've seen the Secretary operate with…
(08:19)
We have to admit, these last 100 days, it's like hanging on to a freaking bullet train. It is a fast dynamic with people who have a journey that is set with a goal that has been determined and it's staffed with men and women who understand what the agenda is and how to get it done. Now, this is… Obviously, the President knows everybody in his cabinet and all those cabinet members have staffs and every department has people that he gets to know and that make a difference in how the departments work. So, when we think about, "How is Rubio going to do this?" Well, it's like, "How does President Trump run the United States?" You have people around you. It's not just you, right? These aren't single individuals working every day and pulling the levers. It's about managing people. It's about assigning people to the right roles, as the President has just done, and if anybody can do it, certainly, with the Secretary, as I've gotten to know him, it will be Marco Rubio.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
So-
Speaker 3 (09:24):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
… Tammy, can we-
Tammy Bruce (09:24):
All right, now. Are you-
Speaker 4 (09:24):
Away from the-
Tammy Bruce (09:24):
… were you finished in the sense of-
Andrea Mitchell (09:26):
I did want to ask you about the Houthis, because Secretary Hegseth had a very sharply worded-
Tammy Bruce (09:32):
He did. So, let's do this. If we're… Are you-
Andrea Mitchell (09:32):
… warning.
Tammy Bruce (09:33):
… going to continue on this line?
Speaker 4 (09:35):
No, no.
Tammy Bruce (09:35):
We're going to move on. All right, so, well, we've done three and four, and I know… Look, this is, and you are going to be all writing stories that I'm going to be fascinated to read. But I think that's pretty much as much as I can say about the nature of what's going to happen from this point forward today. And so, let's go ahead with Andrea and see what else-
Andrea Mitchell (09:56):
No, I just wanted-
Tammy Bruce (09:58):
… the Houthis?
Andrea Mitchell (09:58):
… presumably Deputy Secretary Landau would step up to the daily management here at State? Is this a temporary-
Tammy Bruce (10:08):
Secretary Rubio is a very involved, energetic man. Many of you have traveled with him. You see what he's capable of. The American people have seen it, and there's been no point where there is a question about whether or not he could do something or how is he going to manage it. So, there's no question about that, but he's not a man who does things in a partial way, and he would not have accepted an assignment if he didn't think he could do it. And he's of course working both. With that said, I can tell you that the other leadership in this building, as a newbie to politics, are remarkable, and certainly Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau, never met him, never knew him, and he chairs certain meetings. You see him in the hallway.
Tammy Bruce (11:00):
… hallway. This is a man with an extraordinary experience. Cares about the individual, has a terrific sense of humor. Asks all kinds of questions and is one of the most transparent people I've met. He's also very, very good at his job with the diplomatic aspect and moving policy forward. He's a remarkable person. And I think, whatever had happened today, you would see more of him. And there's dozens of people in a framework of leadership in this building that have made me comfortable to accept this job, to be in this job, to speak to you in this manner. And the Deputy Secretary is one of them, but there are dozens of others as well. Who I have faith-
Speaker 6 (11:49):
[inaudible 00:11:49] the Kissinger model, who is the only other president that I know of who has done both State Department and-
Tammy Bruce (11:55):
Well, I guess we're going to have another one. All righty now Matt. Matt, let's go. No, wait. I'm sorry.
Speaker 5 (12:07):
Let them go because I don't think you're going to have anything to say the little.
Speaker 7 (12:07):
Based on the insight that you have. Do you have any indication when secretary would've received a call from the president this morning, last night, anytime?
Tammy Bruce (12:15):
No, I can't reveal the nature of the details of any exchanges like that.
Speaker 8 (12:19):
Can I just add?
Tammy Bruce (12:20):
All right, so now, yes, back to you in a moment. Matt is, you're not ready? He's relaxing at this point. All right, that's fine. That helps me know where we need to go.
Speaker 9 (12:30):
I have an action-substituted non-persona question.
Tammy Bruce (12:31):
Yes, go ahead dear.
Speaker 10 (12:32):
Can you help us understand why this reshuffle is happening or what it says about the administration's policy priorities that these moves are taking place?
Tammy Bruce (12:40):
I think what it says is what his first term said to people is this is a man who is very active day-to-day involved, knows what he wants to accomplish. Things also sometimes change. I'm not going to guess at the decisions President Trump makes. What we do know is the results of those decisions. And I've said a few times in this room as people try to look at the minutia of necessarily the why or how many of one thing or a piece of gossip in a newspaper that what really matters is the end result and what gets delivered. And I think that it is for all of us, whether it's any kind of business, is being able to be flexible in a dynamic and a moment when you feel the need to be flexible. Clearly this is the President's decision and he made it for a reason and I trust him and the American people will see the results. All right. Go ahead please. Well, now right after him now we'll continue. Sir, go ahead. Go ahead. Thanks.
Speaker 11 (13:34):
Thanks so much. In light of your topic on Ukraine minerals deal, I have two questions. May I please get your response to Russia's reaction as Medvedev criticized the president for a deal and called Ukraine, "A nation that will soon disappear."
Tammy Bruce (13:54):
I'm not going to comment on that particular remark. What we do know from this deal and what the president has said and what has been made clear now in this arrangement is that it cements a partnership, an economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine. And it is something that also speaks to the nature of how Ukraine will rebuild after this catastrophe. It is a terrific deal. I think that it is, and again, it's the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund and it involves much more than just the critical minerals. Certainly what I think Ukraine understands and what we intend is that this is not just a financial arrangement. This is a bonding between two countries that will make a difference for a nation, certainly in Ukraine's situation where they have a friend and the rest of the world will notice that when you have a friend like the United States and when we are in business with you and in your nation, it creates a stronger national security for everyone involved.
(15:01)
And certainly in this case, when it comes to the profits that are generated, that that is then reinvested into Ukraine for the rebuilding dynamic that is going to obviously have to happen. It is a time where, as the Secretary's noted, just a few days ago, as I mentioned to you, as a matter of fact on Tuesday, that it's time for both of the nations involved in this conflict to come up with concrete proposals about how this conflict ends. And this relationship now with Ukraine reinforces the commitment of the United States to that nation and for the world, it's better off. It also reminds the American people and the world that support of another country can take many forms and that national security can be reinforced in many different ways. And that's what this arrangement accomplishes.
Speaker 11 (15:51):
On that line, Tammy, the president last week was explicitly clear when he tweeted out, posted out a clear message to Putin saying, Vladimir stopped. Is there any disappointment on your end that Vladimir has not stopped?
Tammy Bruce (16:04):
Well, this is again why the president is the president. The American people wanted Donald Trump in office. He has shown, certainly in his first term, that he is willing and capable of taking the action that's necessary to achieve his goals. He has done more than one would expect on the issue of diplomacy because he truly believes that people can come to a decision here to stop carnage and a meat grinder in that area and for the world and for the American people to see what that outreach has been and how certain people have responded, which then clearly informs the President and those who work with him, including Secretary Rubio, about the decisions that they need to make. So I think that certainly the secretary has been clear that we are watching Putin's actions, not his words. And in the process he's refined a very specific timeline. Weeks ago, it was weeks, a few days ago, it was days that this would be a pivotal week. And look at that. It has been. All right. Yes. Yes sir?
Speaker 12 (17:12):
Thank you very much Tammy. Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast in Erbil, which was attended by 800 guests from around the world, particularly from the U.S. My question is, what is your view of such an event and of religion's freedom in the Kurdistan more broadly?
Tammy Bruce (17:37):
I have many opinions about that, which I can't speak about here, of course at this podium. So on the issue of the event, we want some answers and some commentary from the State Department. We'll send that away for you, but we'll take it from there. Here we go, Sean.
Speaker 5 (17:53):
Sure. Thanks.
Speaker 13 (17:55):
Hey, India, Pakistan.
Tammy Bruce (17:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 13 (17:58):
The secretary made calls yesterday to the Indian External Affairs Minister and the Pakistani Prime Minister. I know you issued a readout of that, but what's your take how things have gone since then? Were there asks of the two sides, do you think his calls for de-escalation have been taken to heart?
Tammy Bruce (18:15):
Again, the details of what has transpired in those conversations spoke with the foreign ministers of both countries of course, but we've also spoken to not just the secretary, but there's been communication at all levels in that regard. And there is a few more things though that I do have for you and I want to make sure I get to them as we watch this unfold. It's not unfamiliar to us regarding the region. Obviously it does continue to evolve, right? That's something we've all seen. We are monitoring closely.
(18:52)
Yesterday, for those of you who were unaware of this, the secretary spoke with Indian External Affairs minister Jay Shankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif. As the president articulated to Prime Minister Modi last week, the United States stands strong with India against terrorism and Prime Minister Modi has our full support. The secretary encouraged both countries to work toward a responsible solution that maintains long-term, I should say, let me correct that. A responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia. We continue to be in touch with the governments of both countries, as I mentioned, at multiple levels. And that's what I have for you in the sense of the general overview after those phone calls. If you want to follow up on that and I see all of you, we'll continue, we'll continue.
Speaker 13 (19:55):
But just follow up. You said that there's been, since then, I mean the policy de-escalate. Do you think those are being heeded? I know there particular asks particularly of the Pakistanis I guess for cooperation?
Tammy Bruce (20:02):
I know that all I can say is that, and what has been conveyed here is that there's constant involvement. This government is in constant communication. We are asking for a responsible resolution from both parties and beyond that, there's nothing I can give you any other details. We're involved. All right, now you had some other, all right, back right there.
Speaker 14 (20:26):
Thank you. Two questions. One on Syria and the other one on Iran.
Tammy Bruce (20:30):
I'm sorry. Please, please, please one at a time, please. Syria and Iraq?
Speaker 14 (20:33):
And Iran, yeah.
Tammy Bruce (20:35):
Iran or Iraq, please?
Speaker 14 (20:35):
Yeah.
Tammy Bruce (20:40):
All right. Now, please, I know there's a lot of, this is a room where many of you are reporting for certain regions and for certain countries there is a lot of passionate things going on. These are existential issues. I'm in a position where I think many of you know me to some degree, where the decorum has to be maintained for us to be able to have these kinds of conversations. And I want all of you to be in here and I want all of us as much as we can to speak about these issues. So please be patient.
(21:09)
And sometimes people leave here unsatisfied. Other people leave here early because they're unsatisfied early on. But we are doing our best and I'm representing an entity that is working constantly on the issues you all care about and that everyone watching around the world cares about. So let's proceed here. Yes sir. Now let's not continue with the interruptions for the sake of your colleagues, let's take some time and allow your colleagues to participate here. Thank you. Go ahead.
Speaker 14 (21:38):
Thank you so much, Tammy. Let's start with Iran. Today the Omanis foreign Minister announced that the fourth round of the indirect talks with Iran has been postponed. Can you confirm that it's postponed or it's canceled? And then, what would you have to share on this with us? And the second one, do you have any reactions about the sectarian violence against the Syrian Jews population with two days
Speaker 14 (22:00):
…days of deadly clashes near Damascus has left over 100-
Tammy Bruce (22:04):
I can speak to both of those. This is what I can say about Iran is that, the United States was never confirmed to be participating in a fourth round of talks with Iran, which people had believed were Saturday in Rome, despite… There had been some reports. The timing and the venue had yet to be confirmed. I think, again, there's… I would say, this is a fluid situation, and I'm obviously saying things to you that are somewhat indistinct, but we expect another round of talks will take place in the near future. So those details, that's what I have here is that, that's what I can tell you. And we aren't though going, of course, as you might imagine, going to get into the details of any of the negotiations themselves. [inaudible 00:22:52].
(22:53)
And that was about, of course, the-
Speaker 14 (22:55):
Sectarian violence in Syria?
Tammy Bruce (22:57):
Yes. So let's get to this here.
(23:05)
As we always are in these regions, we're closely monitoring, so we're aware of this to say the least, including the recent violence against members of the Druze community. We are watching that for sure. We urge the interim authorities to hold perpetrators of violence and civilian harm accountable for their actions and ensure the security of all Syrians, every single one of them. And it is… That's all I can say. That's all I can say on that. All right.
(23:37)
All right. All right. Go. Yes, sir.
Speaker 17 (23:38):
Thank you, Tammy. Two questions for you. Number one, Trump administration, first term and second term, is foundational part of foreign policy. We'll talk to anybody, whether inviting the Taliban to Camp David or Kim Jong-un or Putin or whoever. It's no secret the Syrians are here in the States for talks with a lot of people. Why is the Trump admin kind of tiptoeing around the subject of meeting with the Syrians this week?
Tammy Bruce (24:04):
I don't think it's about tiptoeing. I think it's about what's appropriate. I can tell you that Department of State officials met on April 29th with the Syrian interim authorities in New York. But just like any meeting with anyone, we're not going to tell you the details of that. As a general matter, as some of you might not know, but we don't comment on private diplomatic conversations. That would kind of ruin the point of them.
(24:33)
We continue though, we can tell you, to urge the interim authorities to choose policies that reinforce stability for Syria's citizens, assure peace with Syria's neighbors, develop Syria's economy, and result in good faith cooperation with the international community. And any future normalization of relations or lifting of sanctions as an example, which we are asked a lot at this podium, will depend on the interim authorities' actions and positive response to the specific confidence-building measures we have communicated.
(25:06)
And those are, that they should fully renounce and suppress terrorism, exclude and remove foreign terrorist fighters from any official roles, prevent Iran and its proxies from exploiting Syrian territory, continue taking steps to verifiably destroy Assad's chemical weapons, assist in the recovery of US and other citizens who have been disappeared in Syria, and ensure the security and freedoms of Syria's religious and ethnic minorities.
(25:37)
That's it. Humara.
Speaker 17 (25:37):
I appreciate you confirming the meeting. Thank you.
Tammy Bruce (25:38):
Yes?
Speaker 15 (25:40):
Thank you, Tammy. I actually have a follow up on that. So those were the demands that US basically sent to the Syrian interim authorities, and then they sent back, in writing, a response saying, we have done some of these things and then we're working on other things. So what is the US assessment at the moment on Syrian interim authorities' progress? And was there any… Because they want a clear roadmap for permanent sanctions relief. Was that somehow discussed in that meeting, and did you guys give them a clear timeline on when that would happen?
Tammy Bruce (26:18):
Obviously, I can't tell you that, but you got to ask, I understand that. Look, I think we can all determine what the framework is and if it has been met when there's action. So… I can't say what I was just going to say, because it was… No, I know I could, but I won't. I shouldn't. So there's things you can do, and then there's things you should do.
Speaker 15 (26:43):
So it does sound like the US is not that satisfied with what they've done.
Tammy Bruce (26:46):
No, no. Do not draw conclusions, which sometimes people tend to do. My point is, is that, if you're wondering when our requirements, of which I've detailed some of, are met, you will see action from this government. If there is no action from this government, we would have to presume that certain things haven't been met yet. As far as to what was discussed in New York, that can't be discussed. I certainly have not been told what the details are of that particular meeting. And if I was, even though you're wonderful, I would not share it with you. I'm sorry. All right. Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Speaker 18 (27:25):
Thank you so much.
Tammy Bruce (27:26):
Yes. No, no, no. There, and then we'll… But yes, in the white shirt. Yes, sir?
Speaker 18 (27:31):
I'll move to Gaza if you don't mind.
Tammy Bruce (27:33):
Of course, please. Sure. Certainly.
Speaker 18 (27:35):
For two months now, there've been a blockade of Gaza that no aid is coming in from the Israelis. There is so many reasons for that, I understand. But the president, a few days ago, said that food and medicine should enter Gaza.
Tammy Bruce (27:50):
He said more than that even.
Speaker 18 (27:51):
Yeah, yeah. But the Israelis are not… It doesn't seem that they're listening yet. I mean, food's still not there. There is a lot of signs inside Gaza, according to a lot of international organizations, a sign of famine growing in Gaza, fear of famine is growing in Gaza. What the administration is doing more to push or pressure Israelis to allow-
Tammy Bruce (28:14):
Well, obviously, at this point, as I've noted, we have a policy, we want the aid to resume. We want humanitarian supplies and assistance to resume, as long as it can be safely moved in and there's no looting, and if people aren't getting mugged and it's not being stolen. I mean, there are some standards about when you're going to send somebody into, essentially, a war zone, and I don't think that's a very high bar.
(28:41)
At the same time, what are we doing? Well, the President of the United States is engaging in this as well. We have wonderful envoys, people who have changed the world and saved people's lives and get the impossible done. And then you have Donald Trump who said, in more detail, I have it for you here, he said, regarding Gaza, "We've got to be good to Gaza. These people are suffering. There is a very big need for medicine, food, and we are taking care of it." How that is manifesting, and we talked about this a little bit on Tuesday, I can't give you those details.
(29:16)
But when the President of the United States is describing and effectively announcing that action is being taken, and especially this president, you know that is happening. The details of which, I can't share with you. I know that, of course, we stand with Israel. They are one of our greatest allies. Our relationship with them is excellent, and we work with them and support them in what their needs are. But in this case, I think we have the best answer regarding the attitude of the United States, and that comes from President Trump.
(29:47)
Yes, sir. Behind you, sir. [inaudible 00:29:50] This is not going to go… Sayid, Sayid. We will, please. I've never had to do it. Sayid, I've never had to do it. And I will, and I will do it. Sayid, there are many other people here, obviously, many also who have concerns about the same city or have different kinds of questions and want the same kinds of answers. This is not the fifth grade. This is the State Department of the United States. You're here. It is a privilege. I like… Sayid, I see you during the gaggles and every day, and I like you very much, and I understand your passion, but you are not directing this conversation or this room.
Speaker 16 (30:34):
Thank you.
Tammy Bruce (30:34):
Yes, sir, please.
Speaker 16 (30:36):
Do you believe that the recent mineral deal with Ukraine sends a clear message to those who have accused President Trump of being sympathetic to Russia?
Tammy Bruce (30:44):
I think that there's a lot of media that goes on when you're dealing with issues of negotiations. The answer, of course, is not to not speak to people. And that was the idea and the theory for the last administration, where Russia wasn't spoken to for at least three years, and so even a lot of heat of the idea of speaking to Putin. There was a lot of heat when he went to visit Kim Jong-un. But Secretary Rubio is very similar when it comes to what President Trump's view is, is that people have to be spoken with, face to face, one on one, that diplomacy is about human beings making arrangements, talking about things, finding a common ground.
(31:28)
And you really, in all honesty, I know we got used to a lot of non-human contact during COVID, and that is one of the biggest disasters to hit humanity that we can imagine that was enforced on us. So it is now clear that there is a commitment and an understanding of the importance of this kind of diplomacy. So I'm not going to guess at the nature of what President Trump and Putin might discuss. I do know that President Trump is doing it for a reason, and that is to accomplish an end to bloodshed and massacres.
(32:04)
When you think about it, it's something that has to happen. That is what has always driven him. And with Ukraine, the same situation. You have the president of that country in your house, in the Oval Office. You're supposed to have signed this deal, that day, when President Zelensky decided, that was just not going to happen, I guess. And yet, it didn't end the relationship. They meet in Rome. They sit down with each other. And then this happens again. We know this is important to all of us, and to those men and the women as well involved in these negotiations. But it is something that is with a goal to solve something. And I don't think we should look at the minerals deal as a statement about Russia. Or if you talk to Putin on the phone, it's not a statement about something else. Trump has been very clear about his mission, and that is how
Tammy Bruce (33:00):
We should look at it through that lens. All right. Yes, Andrea? Yeah.
Andrea Mitchell (33:04):
Again, just a quick follow-up on that. The president did indicate on his way back from the Vatican that he would consider secondary sanctions if Russia kept bombing.
Tammy Bruce (33:13):
He did.
Andrea Mitchell (33:14):
Russia has kept bombing, hasn't agreed to the ceasefire, and he's now apparently agreed to secondary sanctions on Iran, people who do oil business with Iran. Is he considering secondary sanctions on Russia?
Tammy Bruce (33:30):
Well, we know again that he's stated his willingness to do that. Clearly we're not removing any sanctions that currently exist. The president wants in every action that we've taken as a nation to do it diplomatically clearly because of the commitment to it, and yet he knows also that there's another part of the world, a whole globe that needs some attention. And the secretary has also made it very clear that while our style will change, the methodology of how we contribute to this will change in that we will not be the mediators. That is what I mentioned on Tuesday. And the nature of how this would change is we would not… We certainly are still committed to it and we'll help and do what we can, but we are not going to fly around the world at the drop of a hat to mediate meetings, that it is now between the two parties. And now is the time that they need to present and develop concrete ideas about how this conflict is going to end. It's going to be up to them. Yes. Eric? Eric.
Speaker 19 (34:34):
Excuse me. Yes, Tammy. Thank you. I wanted to ask, so many times in a year we're asking about the day-to-day things, but since we just passed 100 days of the administration, if you could describe kind of writ large, what you think the biggest accomplishments of the administration have been on the Russia and Israel fronts and also what you see as the biggest challenges at this point?
Tammy Bruce (34:52):
Well, I think it's very simple. It's the fact that the parties are talking. In every single dynamic, the parties are talking, and that is an accomplishment no one else has been able to do. I think this reinvestment fund, this deal that has just been signed is so critical in that it is going to be generational and it will make the difference for Ukraine at every stage and provides a kind of national security that nothing else really could when it comes to the way the world views Ukraine. So I think getting them to the table, changing the idea of the world of what's possible, and this critical minerals deal are three really very big things. All right. Saeed, would you like to say something, sir? Thanks for your patience.
Speaker 20 (35:43):
Thank you very kindly. I just wanted to follow up.
Tammy Bruce (35:45):
Yes, sir.
Speaker 20 (35:45):
Before you clarify.
Tammy Bruce (35:46):
Yes, sir.
Speaker 20 (35:47):
You said that aid was not going in because of security issues, that-
Tammy Bruce (35:53):
No, I said that we want the aid to go in and support humanitarian aid as long as there are guarantees regarding looting and safety, and I think that's reasonable.
Speaker 20 (36:03):
Okay. Yeah, I understand. I just want you to confirm that that is the reason why-
Tammy Bruce (36:07):
Well, I'm not saying… No, I'm describing our standard. I'm not giving you a reason for something, sir,.
Speaker 20 (36:13):
because in the past when the war was full scale, let's say before the ceasefire, aid was still going in and security was provided for the aid to be distributed properly and so on. So there is basically like a pattern for that. There is a-
Tammy Bruce (36:31):
There's ways.
Speaker 20 (36:34):
There's a system and agenda for that. Yes. That's what I… That's all I wanted to say. I'm sorry if I shouldn't-
Tammy Bruce (36:36):
No, no, no.
Speaker 20 (36:37):
I appreciate that.
Tammy Bruce (36:38):
Thank you. But it's important to know that I will manage the room.
Speaker 20 (36:43):
Yes, absolutely.
Tammy Bruce (36:44):
In any way that I need to, and I really don't break my heart for needing to do it in a way that I'd prefer not to. In the back, sir. Yes. Yes, sir. Yes, you.
Speaker 3 (36:53):
Thank you very much. There are nine or more fully detained US citizens in Venezuela. Their families are asking for engagement or at least the administration do something to get them back. Is it true that Special Envoy Claver-Carone is engaging directly with the Maduro regime for some kind of exchange, maybe Venezuelans in El Salvador for these nine US citizens, or what is the engagement?
Tammy Bruce (37:16):
Well, I cannot speak on any alleged or real diplomatic efforts of what's happening in certainly not just that situation, but any other situation either. Yes, dear.
Speaker 15 (37:26):
Thank you. Really very grateful for the mention. Yesterday, the Secretary, he said, "The first 100 days of the 47th presidency, 47 wrongfully detained Americans have been returned to the United States thanks to the President's leadership." I just wanted to ask whether he was aware that wrongful detention is a specific determination made by the State Department and that it involves looking at the criteria within the Robert Levinson Act to determine whether a case of an American detained abroad is wrongful detention or whether that term, "wrongful detention" has now changed under this administration to encompass a bigger group of Americans detained abroad, even if they don't fit that criteria.
Tammy Bruce (38:11):
Well, I believe he also has a tweet out that refers to 47 unjustly detained Americans and so that's what I'll speak to here, and that is of course, a correct number. It will be higher, I believe, soon, including in Afghanistan, Russia, and Venezuela through diplomatic efforts. These are huge wins for the United States, and it is because of President Trump's leadership. What we can also tell you, I think this happened yesterday, I believe, I'm pleased to report that President Trump has secured the release of another US citizen, Youras Ziankovich from Belarus since President Trump took office. He was released on April 30th and returned to the United States. We want to thank, of course, the government of Lithuania who remain incredible allies and who have offered critical support to our efforts these past few months to bring more Americans home. All right, thank you. And yes, sir.
Speaker 21 (39:11):
Follow-up on Iran. The Iranian foreign minister had just tweeted that, "Together with the Omani and US interlocutors, we have decided to postpone the fourth round of talks for logistical and technical reasons." Can you confirm that the reason was logistical?
Tammy Bruce (39:25):
Well, there, I can't confirm the details, nor would I speak to what someone in Iran might tweet no matter their position. But I said earlier, and I'll repeat it, that the United States was never confirmed to participate in a fourth round of talks anywhere. The timing and venue, there could be one in that it would take place in the near future, but we won't discuss the where or the when. And so what the Russians would say or what the Iranians might say, or anyone who would tweet is of course not something I can speak to. But I can tell you that from what our people say and what our envoy says is that something would take place in the near future. And as soon as we have those details, we'll let you know. It's a very big day. That is going to be it for me. Thank you, everyone. It's a beautiful day outside, and thank you. It got very saucy in here and I want to thank everyone for caring about their region and their issues, and I appreciate everyone behaving as much as they possibly could. Thank you.
