My phone call with President Trump

Summary

Here's the Scoop: "My Phone Call with President Trump" – July 11, 2025

In this episode of NBC News' "Here's the Scoop," host Brian Chung delves into a compelling interview with Kristen Welker, the esteemed moderator of Meet the Press. Welker shares exclusive insights from her recent phone conversation with former President Donald Trump, shedding light on critical national issues ranging from disaster response and trade policies to foreign affairs and governmental restructuring.

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1. President Trump's Visit to Texas Flood Victims

[01:54] Kristen Welker: Welker begins by addressing President Trump's visit to Kerrville, Texas, amidst severe flooding. She notes the president's empathetic response, highlighting the national impact of the disaster.

“This is clearly a horrific event that has really hit him, as it has everyone across this country, quite deeply.” [03:15]

Welker emphasizes the president's acknowledgment of the need for improved alert systems, albeit recognizing the unpredictability of such rare events.

“He thinks there's should be better alert systems... but no one could have anticipated this. This is an event that takes place once in every 200 years.” [03:23]

Regarding accountability, Trump expressed confidence in his Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, stating:

“He thinks she's doing a great job.” [04:30]

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2. Defiant Stance on Tariffs

Transitioning to economic policies, Welker discusses Trump's aggressive approach to tariffs, particularly his ongoing efforts to impose rates on various countries.

“He is defiant in his tariff policy. He is not dissuaded by some of the criticism that he's gotten... he is moving forward with his plans to impose tariffs.” [04:38]

Welker highlights the president’s commitment to his original goal of “90 deals in 90 days,” despite market volatility and skepticism.

“The uncertainty... plays into the overall economy.” [05:43]

Addressing the personalized nature of the tariff letters, Welker remarks on Trump's unique signature style:

“No, that's a very Donald Trumpian term, 'best wishes.'” [06:05]

She also notes the unusual presence of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during the call, indicating a collaborative effort in formulating tariff strategies.

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3. Foreign Policy and the Ukraine Conflict

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential developments involving Russia.

“He teased some sort of announcement next Monday related to Russia.” [06:54]

Welker reveals that Trump hinted at a major announcement scheduled between 11 am and noon, though specifics remained undisclosed during their call. She underscores Trump's growing frustration with Russia's actions in Ukraine.

“He reiterated his disappointment with Russia, with Vladimir Putin... continues to bombard Ukraine.” [07:01]

One of the most notable revelations was Trump's disclosure of a new arrangement with NATO:

“He struck a deal with NATO to send weapons basically to Ukraine through NATO. NATO will pay for it 100%.” [08:00]

This strategic shift aims to alleviate backlash from Trump's MAGA base by distributing the financial responsibility across NATO members, thereby supporting Ukraine without directly burdening the U.S. economy.

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4. State Department Restructuring and Layoffs

Welker touches upon unsettling reports of mass layoffs within the State Department, raising concerns about the potential impact on U.S. diplomatic operations.

“With any type of mass layoff situation, a fair amount of consternation and concern.” [09:15]

She articulates fears that such restructuring could hinder the State Department's ability to perform its duties effectively. Additionally, the unprecedented consolidation of roles under Secretary Rubio, who is handling multiple significant positions, draws scrutiny.

“Secretary Rubio wearing multiple hats... something that we haven't seen for decades.” [09:40]

Welker compares Rubio's multitasking to the demands of hosting multiple shows at NBC, highlighting the challenges inherent in managing extensive responsibilities.

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Conclusion

The episode offers a comprehensive overview of Kristen Welker's conversation with President Trump, providing listeners with an in-depth analysis of current political and economic climates. From disaster management and trade tensions to geopolitical strategies and governmental changes, "Here's the Scoop" presents essential information to keep audiences informed and engaged.

Notable Quotes:

• Kristen Welker: “He is defiant in his tariff policy... he is moving forward with his plans to impose tariffs.” [04:38]
• Kristen Welker: “He thinks she's doing a great job.” [04:30]
• Kristen Welker: “He struck a deal with NATO to send weapons basically to Ukraine through NATO. NATO will pay for it 100%.” [08:00]

This episode expertly navigates the complexities of national leadership and policy-making, offering valuable perspectives for listeners seeking clarity on pressing issues.

Transcript

[Dan Snow]

So, folks, you might have noticed the weather's changing out there. The sun appears to be out. The days are longer. This is in the northern hemisphere, of course, and it's got me excited for road trips, days out exploring, and long walks to castles on windswept crags. And if you're looking forward to all that, too, I've got the perfect companion podcast to join you on your adventures this summer. I'm Dan Snow, host of the Dan Snow's History Hit Podcast, where I whisk you away into the greatest stories in history. Join me on the high seas as we follow the swashbuckling escapades of Francis Drake. On the Spanish Main, we unravel the myths of the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae. I'll tell you everything you need to know about how the American Revolution started and what it would have taken for you to survive the Black Death in medieval Europe. Rackets, luck. This is the podcast you need if you seek to escape into history. And we can all use a little escape at the moment. Check out Dan Snow's history wherever you get your podcasts. Foreign.

[Brian Chung]

Hey, everybody. Welcome to here's the scoop from NBC News. I'm Brian Chung. First off, happy Friday, everyone. We made it. We're going to wrap up this week on the show with an update on the rough weather coming to the United States, the superhero the box office needs right now, and an album that's turning us all into beliebers again. But before we dive in, let's start with a match made in news junkie heaven. I'm talking, of course, about the Fridays and political roundups. That's right. We're going to start off today with a district dispatch because there's so much to talk about. President Trump visiting Texas flood victims today, his administration doubling down on tariff talk, and rumblings that a major announcement on Russia could come next week. Amid it all, my colleague Kristen Welker, of course moderator of Meet the Press, she actually got on the phone with the president and she's here now to tell me about what she learned. Kristen, welcome.

[Kristen Welker]

Hey, Brian, it's so great to be with you. Thanks for having me.

[Brian Chung]

Yeah, usually I'm in boxes on your show, but now I get to interview you on the pod. I'm so excited.

[Kristen Welker]

Well, listen, I like the chance to be interviewed by the great Brian Chung, and we always love having you on the show. No, really, you always help give so much insight into whatever the economic news is of the day. So it's fantastic to be talking to.

[Brian Chung]

You no, it's always a pleasure. But I want to kick it off with just talking about what's it like to talk to the President of the United States. Right. How many people have the opportunity to do this? How do you go about it when, you know, you have a phone call with the president?

[Kristen Welker]

It's a really great question. Look, I think that what makes this president unique among a number of different factors. But one of them is that he interfaces with the press in a really direct way, that he takes phone calls from a number of different reporters. I am one of them. So I make sure that I'm always prepared with a set of questions that goes back to my days at the White House. As a White House correspondent, you're always ready to ask the president questions, whether it's this president or any president, because you never know when you're gonna get that opportunity. In this particular case, obviously, this call took place against the backdrop of the horrific events that have unfolded in Texas this past week. And so that's where we started our conversation on, quite frankly. Brian, what was a really somber tone.

[Brian Chung]

And you got a lot of questions in. You mentioned Texas. Let's start there because the president is in Kerrville today. What did he say about the situation there?

[Kristen Welker]

Look, I was struck by, and we've heard this in his public comments throughout the week, but this is clearly a horrific event that has really hit him, as it has everyone across this country, quite deeply. There are a number of accountability questions, both for state and local officials. So I asked him about both. I asked him if there need to be better alert systems in Kerrville because we've had those reports that officials have turned down the opportunity to upgrade and improve their alert. And he said, yes, in retrospect, he thinks there should be. At the same time, he said no one could have anticipated this. This is an event that takes place once in every 200 years. I asked him about some of the accountability questions for his DHS secretary, Kristi Noem, who, by the way, will be on Meet the Press this Sunday. And he said, look, he thinks she's doing a great job. So we'll continue that conversation with Secretary Noem. But really a somber start to the call.

[Brian Chung]

Let's move on to the topic of tariffs, because that is so timely. The latest is that he's sending out these letters to countries with tariff rates ahead of this new August 1st deadline. He's been doing that on a rolling basis throughout this week. Brazil getting a lot of attention for that 50% rate, the latest being Canada. He has said he would send a letter to the European Union as well. What did you learn about the latest on the tariff front?

[Kristen Welker]

Well, the president saying that he's preparing blanket tariffs of up to 20% on all countries. That was before he made that announcement about Canada. And my big takeaway, Brian, from my conversation there with him on tariffs is that he is defiant in his tariff policy. He is not dissuaded by some of the criticism that he's gotten, some of the volatility that we've seen on Wall street and on Main street, that he is moving forward with his plans to impose tariffs. Of course, there was this goal of 90 deals in 90 days. We know that what we are seeing instead of these letters that the White House is sending out saying, here's what your tariff rate looks like. So, of course, the question becomes, and this is where you come in and where you'll likely be joining me next week. Right. What is the market react? How does Wall street and Main street respond to these new announcements about the tariffs and just the uncertainty, I think, about whether they're actually going to go into effect. We've seen these threats go into place in the past and then the president unwinds some of them. How does the uncertainty, I think, play into all of this in the overall.

[Brian Chung]

Economy, as you mentioned? Yeah, I'll be watching this like a hawk in the next few weeks. But I want to ask you about the letters because what struck me was the language that was used. Do you think the president wrote them? What even struck me was the way that they were signed. It says, with best wishes, I am sincerely. Then his signature on there. I don't know anybody else that signs letters like that. Kristen?

[Kristen Welker]

No, that's a very Donald Trumpian term, best wishes. You know, in terms of who wrote the actual letters, I wouldn't be surprised if he sat down and wrote them with his economic advisors. In fact, when I was on the call with him, his commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, was in the background there talking to him throughout the course of at least the tariff section of the conversation.

[Brian Chung]

Was that a common thing where you'll be talking to the president and then there's a member of the Cabinet just.

[Kristen Welker]

Like, oh, hey, by the way, this was actually unique. Typically it's just the president. Every once in a while, you know, you can hear one or two people in the background. But the fact that you had a commerce secretary there, that was certainly, I think, one of the unique factors of this call. But, Brian, that goes to your initial question. Each call is unique in and of itself.

[Brian Chung]

Let's shift now to foreign policy and the war in Ukraine. He teased some sort of announcement next Monday related to Russia.

[Kristen Welker]

He did. And Brian, I tried. I tried to get the details of the announcement. The significant thing was that he did tease there will be an announcement on Monday. He even gave me a little bit of a timeframe. He said sometime between 11am and 12 noon, he anticipates he's going to make this announcement. I said, okay, Mr. President, what's the announcement? Are you about to announce sanctions against Russia? He would not say that. I said, are you about to announce some type of progress in terms of talks towards a ceasefire? Wouldn't bite on that. I said, can you give me a sense of which direction this announcement is going in? Wouldn't bite on that either. I've been working my sources behind the scenes. I'm still trying to get the details of what this announcement is going to be. But here's what I would say. He reiterated his disappointment with Russia, with Vladimir Putin. I mean, it was out in full view this week. When he accused Vladimir Putin, Putin of feeding the US a lot of quote, unquote, bs. He actually used the term underscoring, I think, his level of anger and frustration with the fact that Russia continues to bombard Ukraine over and over again. The other big takeaway, I think, from the call, Brian, is that the president telling me for the first time that the United States has struck what the President is calling a deal with NATO to send weapons basically to Ukraine through NATO. NATO, he says, will pay for it 100%. He says NATO will be responsible for allocating the weapons. And this is significant. We had not heard this. It was apparently discussed when President Trump met with NATO. But the president telling me he struck the deal just moments before our conversation. So quite significant. We're trying to report the details of that out. What will that look like and how will that play out? And is this a way of really trying to mitigate some of the backlash from the MAGA base, which was enraged with the fact that he would send weapons to Ukraine because of course, the President ran on a campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine that hasn't happened. And again, the president seeming to grow increasingly frustrated with Russia in this entire process.

[Brian Chung]

And while I've got you, I gotta ask about some of these reports today about mass layoffs at the State Department. What's the vibe like down there with specifically the State Department?

[Kristen Welker]

Well, I think if you talk to people who cover that beat, they will say that there is of course, with any type of mass layoff situation, a fair amount of consternation and concern. And what will it mean, in fact, for the duties that the State Department carries out? Now, of course, State Department officials, the secretary of state, say that this is part of a broader overhaul and restructuring that is needed. But of course, with any type of change like this, I think there's going to be a lot of scrutiny to see if the State Department and these various different departments within it can continue to carry out their duties without any significant setbacks. And also remember Secretary Rubio wearing multiple hats, national security advisor, Secretary of State, something that we haven't seen for decades. So a lot of scrutiny on him, too, as he carries out these multiple.

[Brian Chung]

Duties, not unlike us here at NBC where we host multiple shows sometimes, right?

[Kristen Welker]

KRISTEN welker, that is very true, Brian.

[Brian Chung]

The one, the only Kristen Welker, moderator of Meet the Press. We'll see you on Sunday.

[Kristen Welker]

Thanks, Brian. It's such a great conversation. It's always great to be with you. Thanks so much.

[Dan Snow]

All right.

[Brian Chung]

Well, that's enough from Washington. We're going to take a quick break and we'll be right back with some headlines.

[Al Roker]

Hey, everybody. I'm Al Roker from the Today show, here to tell you about our Jumpstart July event. The Start Today app has everything you need to get and stay motivated on your wellness journey all in one place, like walking challenges for all levels to get you moving, healthy recipes that are easy and delicious and so much more. And now when you subscribe for an annual plan, you'll get your first month completely free with promo code Jumpstart. Just download the Start Today app now to get started.

[Josh Mankiewicz]

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[Dan Snow]

I'm Josh Mankiewicz and I hope you'll join us for season four of Dateline Missing in America. In each episode of Dateline's award winning series, we will focus on one missing persons case and hear from the families, the friends and the investigators all desperate to find them. You will want to listen closely. Maybe you could help investigators solve a mystery.

[Josh Mankiewicz]

Search DATELINE Missing in America to listen on Apple Podcasts.

[Brian Chung]

Welcome back to here's the Scoop. Let's get to some headlines on this Friday afternoon. Starting off with Texas, where President Trump and the first lady made a visit to Kerrville and offered support following those deadly floods. That support could be critical, as storms will return tomorrow. There are heavy downpours expected that could yet again raise the risk of floods in the Texas Hill Country. The weather could also be a problem in New Mexico, where thunderstorms are possible in Ruidoso, where flash floods hit hard earlier this week. Across the Midwest and South, millions are bracing for more severe weather as well tornadoes from Missouri to Michigan and flash floods with alerts stretching across Nebraska and Iowa. It's been an ugly situation nationwide, weather wise this week. Storms Yesterday triggered over 9,000 delays and 700 flight cancellations, with Chicago, Charlotte and Miami among the cities that were hardest hit. A senior Israeli government official told reporters last night that Iran may still recover enriched uranium buried at its Isfahan nuclear site despite those recent US bunker buster strikes. While the Pentagon claimed the June 22 attack obliterated key facilities, Israeli intelligence believes some material may have actually survived underground. Israel is warning that any Iranian attempt to recover the uranium would be detected and could spark a military response. Israel's statement underscores the growing concern over Iran's nuclear resilience as well as the limits of the US Strike's effectiveness. And a change here because I think it's finally clocking to you guys that he's standing on business. For those of you that are not up on the latest Internet culture, that's a reference to pop star Justin Bieber. The Biebs shocked fans with a surprise album release after teasing it just two days ago. That was the chorus of his single Swag. The album of the same name is his first new studio album in four years, and it's also Bieber's first album since selling his music catalog for a reported $200 million. And are you ready to feel old? Because I am. Bieber is no longer that teenage heartthrob that made all the middle schoolers swoon. He's a married man to his wife, Hailey, and a father now. Bieber addresses actually many of the rumors that are swirling around his personal life. He does so through his music. So what is he singing about this time? Hit play right after we wrap, of course. And that music can only mean one thing. It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a Superman reboot. And it hits theaters today. Director James Gunn's $225 million revival isn't just a movie. It's DC Studios Hail Mary. With box office expectations soaring past $500 million, half a billion dollars, the pressure is on for this man of Steel to save a flailing franchise. But controversy? It came faster than a speeding bullet, including accusations of the movie being too woke. Because of Gunn's take, he's been leaning into Superman's immigrant roots, and that sparked MAGA backlash. But Gunn's response to his critics? Screw him. Now the question isn't just can Superman fly? It's if he can unify a fandom and reboot an empire all before his cape hits the ground. Well, that's gonna do it for all of us at the Daily Planet. I mean, here's the scoop from NBC News. But before we go, wanna acknowledge the team. Our show is produced by Amanda Llewellyn and associate producer Kathleen Rocco. Katie Lau is our audio engineer. Our supervising producer is Katie Remchin. Annmarie Fertoldi is our executive producer. Our head of audio production is Bryson Barnes. Alexa Danner is our head of audio. Shalini Sharma is the senior executive producer, and Kathryn Kim is the executive vice president of editorial. Have a great weekend, everyone, and we'll see you on Monday. Signing off from 30 Rock, I'm Brian Shum.

[Josh Mankiewicz]

It looked like a pleasant summer day, but was was in fact, a spectacular summer day. Perfect for lounging and listening to Dateline. Subscribe to Dateline Premium and get a free one month trial ad, free listening, bonus episodes and early access to new original series. This special offer expires July 30th. So subscribe now to Dateline Premium only on Apple Podcasts. You don't want to miss out, do you?