Remarks in an Exchange With Reporters Prior to Departure for Tallahassee, Florida

Negotiations Between United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd., and the International Longshoremen's Association

Q. Mr. President, how can we afford the port strike? Can the country afford these ships to stay off—[inaudible]?

The President. I think we're making progress on that.

Q. How much progress, sir?

The President. We'll find out soon.

Q. What kind of sanctions——

Q. Any updates on——

Iran

Q. What kind of sanctions are you considering on Iran? What kind of sanctions are you considering?

The President. I'll tell them before I tell you.

Q. Did Tim Walz lose the debate?

Q. Any updates on the hostages—on the hostages in Gaza, sir?

Vice Presidential Debate in New York City

Q. Did Tim Walz lose the debate?

The President. No, he didn't. And by the way, the other guy lost the debate. He misrepresented everything, including—anyway, I——

Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza, Palestinian Territories

Q. Sir—the hostages in Gaza, sir. The hostages in Gaza. Do you have any updates on them?

Q. [Inaudible]—bunker—[inaudible].

The President. Not—not right now.

Q. And on the election——

[At this point, several reporters began speaking at once.]

Potential Israeli Response to Iranian Missile Attack

Q. Would you support Israel striking Iran's oil facilities, sir?

The President. We're in discussion of that. I think—I think that would be a little—anyway.

Department of Justice Special Counsel John L. "Jack" Smith/Former President Donald J. Trump

Q. Do you believe that Donald Trump was acting as a private candidate and not as President when he sought to overturn the 2020 election, as Jack Smith laid out in his filing?

The President. I'll let Jack Smith make that case.

[Several reporters spoke at once.]

Israel

Q. In response to and the retaliation, what will you let Israel retaliate? And what are the plans to allow Israel to strike back against Iran?

The President. First of all, we don't allow Israel. We advise Israel. And there's nothing going to happen today. We'll talk about that later.

Q. Will there be Americans in combat to help Israel, sir?

President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia

Q. G-20 and APEC Summits next month. Is it a good chance to sit down with President Putin to discuss international security?

The President. Will I what? I'm sorry?

Q. G-20 and APEC Summits next month. Is it a good chance to discuss international security and Ukraine with Putin?

The President. I doubt whether Putin will show up.

2024 Presidential Election

Q. Are you surprised the race between Harris and Trump is so close right now? Are you surprised?

The President. No, I'm not. It always gets this close. She's going to do fine.