President Donald Trump said Sunday that Democrats “made one mistake” with the ongoing government shutdown — one that, he claims, gave him new power to permanently slash programs long opposed by Republicans.
“I think they could just stay out forever, to be honest with you,” Trump told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures. “They didn’t realize that gives me the right to cut programs Republicans never wanted — giveaways, welfare programs, et cetera. And we’re cutting them permanently.”
Bartiromo asked Trump if he believed the shutdown was linked to the upcoming “No Kings” rally. “Some people say they want to delay it for that,” he replied. “They’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.”
The president also took aim at Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, saying, “Chuck is at the end of the line. He’s being beaten by everybody they poll against him.” Trump added that he was canceling a $20 billion infrastructure project Schumer had fought for years to secure.
“We’re cutting a $20 billion project that Schumer fought for 15 years to get,” Trump said. “The project is gonna be dead. It’s just pretty much dead right now.”
The administration confirmed it was freezing billions in funding for the Gateway Project — a new train tunnel under the Hudson River — and halting money for New York City’s Second Avenue Subway extension.
Trump also addressed trade tensions with China, referencing his recent Truth Social post announcing new tariffs. “Based on China’s aggressive actions, the United States will impose a tariff of 100% on China, over and above any tariff they are currently paying,” Trump wrote last week.
The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimated that could raise average tariffs on Chinese exports to roughly 157%.
When asked if that level was sustainable, Trump said, “It’s not sustainable, but that’s what the number is. They forced me to do that.”
Trump said he still maintains “a great relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and plans to meet with him and other leaders in South Korea soon.
“We have to have a fair deal,” Trump said. “They only respect strength, they really do.”