Trump Praises Xi, Slams Canada, and Hints at Third Term During Flight to Japan on Air Force One

Mark Schiefelbein/AP - Jan 26, 2025

As President Donald Trump traveled from Malaysia to Japan on October 27, 2025 — the second leg of his Asia tour — he and his senior team — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer — held an informal gaggle with reporters aboard Air Force One.

The wide-ranging conversation covered trade, foreign relations, global security, and even speculation about a potential third term.

Japan & Asia Visit

Trump said he’s “excited to meet with the new Prime Minister” of Japan and looks forward to a business dinner, though he declined to name attendees. The trip marks his first meeting with newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with discussions expected to focus on trade, economic cooperation, and regional stability.

China & Trade

Trump described U.S.–China relations as “great,” saying he “likes” President Xi Jinping and believes Xi “very much likes him and respects the U.S.”

He added that he feels “the Chinese will convince us to drop the tariffs.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that “a framework of the deals” was discussed, but “nothing is expected to be signed this week.”

Trump also hinted that “the TikTok deal” may soon be finalized, saying Xi “just approved it.”

South China Sea Incidents

When asked about two aircraft crashes in the South China Sea, Trump downplayed concerns, saying, “It could’ve been bad fuel,” and added that he would be briefed soon.

According to the U.S. Navy, at 2:45 p.m. local time on October 26, a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 went down during routine operations from the USS Nimitz (CVN-68). All three crew members were safely rescued.

Roughly 30 minutes later, at 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (“Fighting Redcocks”) also crashed while conducting standard flight operations. Both pilots ejected safely and were recovered by search and rescue teams.

Canada

Trump accused Canada of “ripping us off for such a long time.” He called a recent ad featuring Ronald Reagan “fake and fabricated” and labeled Canada “the worst to deal with.”

He said he does not plan to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney — “not anytime soon, and not in South Korea either.”

Brazil

Trump described his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as “good,” but added, “Maybe nothing will come out of it… they pay now 50 % tariff, I guess.”

He wished Lula a happy birthday, which is today.

Russia & Missile Tests

On Russia’s renewed [nuclear] missile testing, Trump said: “They should stop the war that should’ve lasted a week and is now going almost into its fourth year, instead of testing missiles.”

Domestic Topics

Trump praised Elon Musk — “although he had a stupid stinky moment, but he can tell you about that” — and blamed Democrats for federal workers “not being paid.”

He criticized cities “not willing to ask to deploy the National Guard,” and took aim at San Francisco: “Why wouldn’t they use our powerful group that has way more power than anyone else,” claiming that the “owners of NVIDIA and Time Magazine” asked him to avoid such “mission.”

Argentina & Markets

Bessent commented on Argentina’s parliamentary election results, saying, “The Argentinian people have spoken. They know the U.S. is behind them because of President Trump. Milei’s party is breaking down the bad system that lasted over 100 years. The market will take care of itself and trust Milei’s plans.”

The remarks follow the strong showing of President Javier Milei’s La Libertad Avanza party, which secured more than 40 % of the vote in Argentina’s midterm elections. Last week, President Trump tied the $40 billion bailout package for Argentina to President Javier Milei’s possible victory during his visit to the White House.

Israel & the Cease-Fire Debate

Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed Israel’s recent strike that killed a senior Palestinian militant linked to Islamic Jihad, amid debate over whether the attack violated the cease-fire agreement.

Rubio defended the operation, saying: “Israel did not surrender its right to self-defense. They acted within that right.”

Vietnam

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said discussions with Vietnam focused on adjusting trade balances and tariffs.

“The overall tariff rate is around 20 %, but for things we don’t grow in America — like spices and coffee — it will be 0 %,” Greer said.

Third Term Talk

Asked about Steve Bannon’s public suggestion of a possible third term, Trump replied, “I haven’t thought about it, but I had the best polls. I just solved eight wars.”

Pressed further, he said, “We have the best people,” before mocking Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett: “They wouldn’t be able to answer the questions — they start with giraffe, that’s easy, then it gets difficult. Let AOC go against me!”

Trump also mentioned he recently received a “perfect MRI at Walter Reed.”

On speculation that he could allow JD Vance to serve and later return to office [for the third term], Trump said, “I’d be allowed to do that, people would like that, but that’s too cute. I’m ruling this out, because that would be too cute — it wouldn’t be right.”

Takeaway

The Air Force One gaggle offered a revealing look at Trump’s “diplomatic posture” as his Asia tour continues: praising Xi Jinping, dismissing Canada’s trade stance, congratulating Milei’s parliamentary victory, and weighing in on Israel’s security moves — all while teasing the idea of a third term.

As he lands in Tokyo for his first meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi, Trump’s mix of transactional diplomacy, personal loyalty, and headline-driven commentary continues to define his global message on the world stage.