President Donald Trump joined Fox News host Larry Kudlow for a wide-ranging phone interview on Sunday Morning Futures, discussing a series of political and campaign-related topics.
Near the end of the nearly 30-minute conversation, Trump—speaking in a noticeably raspy voice—continued talking even as Kudlow tried to wrap up the segment. “I got to let you go,” the host said, adding, “I’m going to get into trouble.”
Trump replied, “Larry, we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world,” before turning his attention to praising the Fox News host.
“You just got good ratings, so they’re not going to bother you,” Trump said, prompting a nervous chuckle from Kudlow.
“Thank you, sir. Safe travels today, and give ’em hell on the campaign trail,” Kudlow said as he made another attempt to end the interview.
Trump continued the exchange by telling Kudlow, “I’m proud of you.”
After Trump hung up, Kudlow again tried to ease the awkward ending, laughing that the two men are “old friends” and saying he “loves talking to him.” Fox News has been contacted for comment on the exchange.
Earlier in the interview, Trump said he had been working hard, telling Kudlow that he had held “14 rallies in 9 days.” He acknowledged that “it’s a lot,” which may help explain the raspy quality of his voice during the appearance.
Fox News host Larry Kudlow interviewed President Donald Trump on Sunday Morning Futures
President Donald Trump dances at a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia on Saturday
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Trump also made two striking claims, saying the leaders of China and Saudi Arabia had praised his work in the United States.
“The king, I tell you, the king of Saudi Arabia said, ‘You know, you were a dead country, and now you have the hottest country in the world,’” Trump told Kudlow.
He made a similar claim about Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying Xi had offered praise during a visit to the White House the previous month.
“Yes, President Xi was here two weeks ago. He said, ‘You have the hottest country in the world. The job you’ve done is incredible,’” Trump said.
Trump then turned to the candidates he is supporting ahead of November’s midterm elections, delivering enthusiastic praise for Republicans while attacking their Democratic opponents.
He described Republican Senate nominee and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as “the greatest attorney general in Texas” and one of “the few greatest in the whole country.” Trump also criticized Paxton’s Democratic opponent, James Talarico, whom he has nicknamed “Talafreako.”
Trump claimed Talarico opposes the oil and gas industry, firearms and meat. The Texas Senate race is rated a “toss-up” by the Cook Political Report after previously being categorized as “lean Republican,” suggesting movement toward Democrats.
In Michigan, Trump endorsed Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, saying he would “be a great senator” who is “good on the issues.” Trump also called Rogers “apple pie,” apparently portraying him as a quintessential American compared with his Democratic opponent, Abdul El Sayed.
El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, could become the first Muslim U.S. senator. His platform includes proposals such as Medicare for All. Michigan’s Senate contest is also rated a “toss-up” by the Cook Political Report.