Trump had a packed 24 hours spanning ocean naming, North Sea oil drilling, American manufacturing, an Apple titanium purchase, Iran, Russia-Ukraine, Middle East embassy staffing, an Amazon refund check, and a Washington triumphal arch project.
Giving up on renaming the Atlantic as the "Trump Ocean"
Trump said he called Google Maps to request renaming the Atlantic Ocean the "Trump Ocean." Google CEO Sundar told him, "No, no, no. I'm not doing it this time." He said, "Oceans are different, sir. They cover a lot of countries. Please don't make us do this." So it may not get through, and the name Atlantic will stay.
Saying the UK has begun oil drilling in the North Sea
Trump said the UK has started oil drilling in the North Sea, a major positive for the UK economy and the Aberdeen area. The North Sea is one of the world's richest and most economically valuable oil regions, and the UK should push drilling fully and remove costly and "ridiculous" wind turbines, which would make the UK rich again.
Saying US manufacturing is booming
Trump said US manufacturing is booming, jobs are returning to America, and the economy is far exceeding expectations.
Announcing Apple's pledge to buy Pennsylvania titanium
Trump announced that Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has pledged to purchase US$100 million worth of Pennsylvania-produced titanium for making new iPhones.
Denying talks with Iran, saying the situation will be settled "soon"
According to Al Jazeera, Trump said the US holds a "very favorable" position on Iran at both the "military and economic levels," describing the current situation as "a small conflict with Iran." Asked by reporters whether he had given up negotiating with Iran, Trump replied, "No, I don't think we are negotiating right now. Either way, there will ultimately be a result, and it will be clear soon." He added, "Most people seem to think this will wait until after the election—we'll see."
Saying a Russia-Ukraine conflict resolution is getting closer
Trump said a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict is getting closer. Earlier, US Middle East envoy Witkoff said he and senior Trump adviser Kushner met with Russian, Ukrainian, and European leaders in Oslo and St. Petersburg to advance Trump's goal of ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Witkoff called the discussions constructive, and the US, Russia, and Ukraine will continue technical-level talks.
Saying he was unaware of Middle East embassy staffing moves
The US State Department has ordered the departure of some non-emergency government employees and their family members from Saudi Arabia. US officials said family members of staff at some US diplomatic missions in other Gulf countries may also be asked to leave. The drawdown is related to recent intensified military actions by Iran and its ally the Houthis. Trump said, "I don't know about Middle East embassy staffing moves." Regarding embassy staff in Saudi Arabia being told to evacuate, he said, "I don't know whether they evacuated."
Amazon refund checks to millions of US consumers carry Trump's name
Millions of Americans are expected to receive settlement refund checks from Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), and the accompanying notice credits the refund to the "Trump-led Federal Trade Commission (FTC)." The checks are part of a US$2.5 billion settlement Amazon agreed to pay in 2025. At the time, the FTC accused Amazon of misleading consumers into signing up for Prime subscription services. The notice included with the checks used the phrase "the Federal Trade Commission led by President Trump" three times. The notice said, "The enclosed check is the result of a settlement between the FTC led by President Trump and Amazon.com...".
Washington "triumphal arch" project he is pushing could break ground in as little as two weeks
According to CNN, the Trump administration told a judge on Wednesday evening that the controversial 250-foot "triumphal arch" proposed by the president could break ground in as little as two weeks—just days after the midterm elections end. In court filings submitted Wednesday, the US Department of Justice said the National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on November 5 and could approve the final plan for the "triumphal arch"; if final authorization from the Interior Department is also obtained, the project "could begin construction as early as November 5, 2026."
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