By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-05 03:41:20 | Updated at 2026-08-05 05:40:00
2 hours ago
President Trump shrugged off the armed suspect arrested near his Southern California fundraiser this week, brushing aside the security scare and suggesting it comes with the territory of being a president who matters.
“The only thing I get a little solace from is they say only consequential presidents, and I am definitely consequential,” Trump told Fox News @ Night host Trace Gallagher during an exclusive interview Tuesday.
Instead of focusing on the arrest of 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele, who authorities say was found Sunday at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles with weapons, ammunition, tactical gear and personal documents, Trump pivoted to Iran, the economy and what he called the growing threat of socialism.
“I have no choice,” Trump said of Iran. “They can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
The president also took aim at the rise of socialist candidates, arguing they “want to ruin the country.”
Countries taken over by communists and socialists, he said, always become “filthy,” “disgusting” and “dirty.”
The interview followed Trump’s rare trip to the Los Angeles area for a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes.
His visit came amid heightened political tensions, with large crowds of supporters and anti-Trump demonstrators gathering outside the venue.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom also sharply criticized Trump’s visit through social media and official state channels as the political temperature surrounding the president’s California appearance continued to escalate.
