Former President Donald Trump sat down for an interview in Des Moines, addressing various topics including the upcoming election, potential future shutdowns, and the national debt. Trump expressed confidence in his lead in the polls and claimed that the stock market's success was tied to his potential victory. However, he also acknowledged the possibility of an economic crash if he did not win, stating that such a crash would be preferable during the next 12 months to avoid being compared to President Herbert Hoover during the Great Depression.
Regarding the national debt, Trump defended his administration's handling of the economy, emphasizing that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country was on track to pay down its debt. He credited this progress to plans to sell oil to Asia and Europe and portrayed himself as a strong advocate for energy production. Trump blamed rising energy costs under the Biden administration for causing inflation and enriching foreign leaders like Vladimir Putin, who he claimed profited during times of war.
