On the evening of August 5, 2025, at 8 PM (Eastern Time), U.S. President Trump gave a 37-minute telephone interview to CNBC (Squawk Box), discussing the economy, trade, and politics with a lot of tension! Here are the key points summarized:

  1. Criticism of Labor Data Fabrication
    Trump reiterated that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data is 'highly politicized', accusing the 2024 employment data of being manipulated, claiming that the downward revision of data (such as the August employment from 818,000 revised to 598,000) was to create momentum for the Democratic election. FactCheck.org and others pointed out that his accusations lack evidence, and Trump's dismissal of the BLS director sparked controversy.

  2. Federal Reserve Chair Nominee
    Trump criticized Powell for lowering interest rates too late, calling it 'politicized', and revealed that after Powell's term ends in May 2026, he may nominate Kevin Warsh or Kevin Hassett among four others to succeed him. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin clearly rejected this, and Trump might use the vacancy on the Federal Reserve Board to make an early change.

  3. Tariff Policy Intensification

    • Drugs and Chips: Next week, drug tariffs (initially small, up to 250%) and chip tariffs will be announced, emphasizing American manufacturing and mentioning the Arizona TSMC factory.

    • India: Due to India's high tariffs and resale of Russian oil, Trump threatened to significantly raise tariffs on India within 24 hours.

    • European Union: Praising trade agreements with Japan and the EU but warning that if the EU does not comply, a 35% tariff will be imposed. Experts question his $600 billion investment data.

  4. Energy and the Russia-Ukraine War
    Trump claimed that if oil prices drop by $10 a barrel, Putin will stop the Ukraine war due to economic pressure, but did not explain how to achieve the price drop.

  5. Bank Discrimination Against Conservatives
    Trump accused JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America of discriminating against conservatives and himself, planning to issue an executive order to combat bank discrimination.

  6. Politics and MAGA Heir
    Trump hinted at possibly running for president again in 2028 but said 'might not'. He specifically named Vice President Vance as the 'most likely' successor to the 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) movement.

  7. Controversial Remarks

    • Trump falsely claimed that oil prices dropped to $2.20 per gallon (actually around $3), which was corrected by the host on the spot.

    • His remarks that 'people of color are suited for agricultural labor' were criticized as racist, sparking widespread condemnation.