Trump Calls C-SPAN Debut Show, Jokes About Iran War Victory, Defends Hegseth Impeachment
Donald Trump shocks C-SPAN with premiere call, discussing Iran war claims, immigration reform, and his defense secretary's impeachment threat.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C., U.S. — President Donald Trump made an unexpected appearance on live television, dialing into C-SPAN’s new evening call-in segment just minutes after its official debut on Monday.
The broadcast, titled Washington Journal Primetime, welcomed the 80-year-old president with a brief burst of laughter from his end of the line, sparking immediate online debate about the identity of the woman giggling in the background.
Host Mimi Geerges introduced the caller shortly after the show began at 9 p.m., noting the president had previously identified himself as a viewer of the network’s programming.
Speculation quickly focused on Natalie Harp, the president’s frequent aide, who was recently reported to manage his incoming calls, though her presence was never confirmed by the White House.
Geerges asked Trump about his television viewing habits, prompting the president to praise Republican callers while expressing skepticism regarding Democratic participants.
Shifting to immigration policy, the host inquired about potential reforms following the Democratic reclaiming of both congressional chambers in last week’s midterm elections.
Trump defended his administration’s border actions, claiming to have stopped a massive influx of migrants, criminals, and gang members from all over the world under former President Joe Biden.
Regarding legal workers such as hotel staff, waitresses, and農場 laborers, the president stated that enforcement efforts have not been directed at them with the same intensity as those targeting violent offenders.
Despite the interview’s domestic focus, Trump reiterated an unsubstantiated claim that individuals from mental institutions are being dumped into the United States.
The discussion then turned to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who faces articles of impeachment filed by Rep. Thomas Massie on Monday, with a potential vote scheduled for as early as Tuesday.
Citing reports that some Republicans support the measure, Geerges asked Trump for his reaction, prompting the president to say he would be disappointed by such a move.
Trump praised Hegseth for winning two wars, specifically highlighting a rapid victory in Venezuela in 48 minutes and the capture of billions in resources from the region.
He further claimed a total victory in Iran, stating that U.S. forces wiped out the Iranian navy and air force, despite the conflict being eight months old with no clear end in sight.
When pressed for a timeline on the Iran war, the president offered no specific dates, suggesting the conflict could end quickly or over a short period.
He also mentioned a potential target at a nuclear enrichment site known as Pickaxe Mountain during the brief conversation.
After an eight-minute call, Geerges thanked the president for his participation and invited him to return to the program in the future.
Trump concluded by wishing the host good luck and stating it was an honor to be one of the show’s early callers before disconnecting.
The president, known for his television preferences, has previously called into news broadcasts, including a post-election call to Fox News where he initially congratulated Democrats before later questioning the integrity of the results.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)