Video of US President Donald Trump’s 1987 interview with CNN's Larry King has resurfaced online amid his sweeping reciprocal tariffs on " Liberation Day ."
In the interview, Trump expressed America's declining global standing while repeatedly criticising the trade policies.
Trump said, "I was tired, and I think a lot of other people are tired of watching other countries ripping off the United States. This is a great country. They laugh at us. Behind our backs, they laugh at us because of our own stupidity."
His discussion with King revealed early signs of his future diplomatic stance, as he expressed frustration about the United States being taken advantage of.
"Our leaders — what we have, we have a Persian Gulf situation today.... Billions and billions of dollars are being spent for getting oil for Japan, and they are paying nothing for it, essentially they're paying nothing for it," he said.
"I believe it's very important that you have free trade , but we don't have free trade right now," he added.
This video recirculated as Trump on Wednesday announced his sweeping “Liberation Day” levies, including a 10 per cent tariff on most countries and higher rates on some key trading partners, a 20 per cent tariff on the 27-nation European Union, 25 per cent on South Korea and 24 per cent on Japan.
The new 10% baseline is roughly triple the average US tariff rate and will take effect at 12.01 am Saturday. Specific reciprocal duties will take effect after midnight on April 9.
"I have no intention of running for president," said a confident 41-year-old real estate mogul dismissing any political ambitions in 1987.
Fast forward decades, and that same man—now the 47th president of the United States—is at the center of a political storm, proving that history, much like Trump, has a way of surprising everyone.
When questioned about his increasingly political demeanour and the public's assumptions. His response was direct: "Well, they can presume whatever they want. I have no intention of running for president."
The "current Trump" stands in stark contrast to the "vintage Trump" making headlines, as he now hints at a possible third-term run—despite the constitutional two-term limit set by the 22nd Amendment.
"There are methods which you could do it," Trump stated in an NBC News telephone interview, emphasising, "I'm not joking."
Further, when King asked, why was Trump a Republican? Trump responded with a smile, "I have no idea."
In the interview, Trump expressed America's declining global standing while repeatedly criticising the trade policies.
Trump said, "I was tired, and I think a lot of other people are tired of watching other countries ripping off the United States. This is a great country. They laugh at us. Behind our backs, they laugh at us because of our own stupidity."
"I was tired, and I think a lot of people are tired of watching other countries ripping off the United States... they laugh at us. Behind our backs, they laugh at us because of our own stupidity."@POTUS has ALWAYS put America First. pic.twitter.com/pxUqTGeW6i
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 3, 2025
His discussion with King revealed early signs of his future diplomatic stance, as he expressed frustration about the United States being taken advantage of.
"Our leaders — what we have, we have a Persian Gulf situation today.... Billions and billions of dollars are being spent for getting oil for Japan, and they are paying nothing for it, essentially they're paying nothing for it," he said.
"I believe it's very important that you have free trade , but we don't have free trade right now," he added.
This video recirculated as Trump on Wednesday announced his sweeping “Liberation Day” levies, including a 10 per cent tariff on most countries and higher rates on some key trading partners, a 20 per cent tariff on the 27-nation European Union, 25 per cent on South Korea and 24 per cent on Japan.
The new 10% baseline is roughly triple the average US tariff rate and will take effect at 12.01 am Saturday. Specific reciprocal duties will take effect after midnight on April 9.
"I have no intention of running for president," said a confident 41-year-old real estate mogul dismissing any political ambitions in 1987.
Fast forward decades, and that same man—now the 47th president of the United States—is at the center of a political storm, proving that history, much like Trump, has a way of surprising everyone.
When questioned about his increasingly political demeanour and the public's assumptions. His response was direct: "Well, they can presume whatever they want. I have no intention of running for president."
The "current Trump" stands in stark contrast to the "vintage Trump" making headlines, as he now hints at a possible third-term run—despite the constitutional two-term limit set by the 22nd Amendment.
"There are methods which you could do it," Trump stated in an NBC News telephone interview, emphasising, "I'm not joking."
Further, when King asked, why was Trump a Republican? Trump responded with a smile, "I have no idea."
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