Trump twists himself in knots to explain why giving Iran money is different from Obama
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media on board Air Force One on the way to Miami, Florida, U.S., April 12, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
President Donald Trump spoke to reporters ahead of a trip to Memphis, Tennessee on Monday morning after spending the weekend in Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump took questions, including a few from CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, who asked how his lifting sanctions on Iranian oil is any different than former President Barack Obama allowing Iran to have access to their money that was being held up from sanctions. After Iran signed the nuclear agreement that allowed for nuclear inspectors to come in and test whether they were doing weaponry or nuclear power, Obama relaxed sanctions. Trump has falsely painted it as Obama giving Iran billions in cash.
"The Treasury lifted sanctions on Iranian oil that was out to sea. You criticized President Obama for giving Iran $1.7 b—" Collins began.
"Well I just want to have as much oil in the system as possible," Trump interrupted. "We don't even know that Iran gets that money. Frankly, I think it's very hard for them to get it. But you have ships that are out there that are loaded up with oil. Rather than keep it there, I would rather see it go to the system. Any small amount of money Iran gets is not gonna make a difference in this war. But I want to have the system lubricated."
"Even $14 billion, you don't think helps them?" Collins asked.
"Where's the $14 billion?" Trump said.
"Because the inflated price, they are getting the —" Collins began again before Trump interrupted her.
"I don't think they're getting the money," said Trump. "I can tell you, when this is all over, I will tell you who is getting the money."