In his first post-election network television interview, President-elect Donald Trump outlined his vision for his second term during an hour-long conversation with NBC News. Speaking from Trump Tower, he discussed a range of domestic and foreign policy priorities, from pardons for Jan. 6 Capitol rioters to sweeping immigration reforms, trade policies, and promises of national unity.
Trump also announced that he would take executive action on his first day in office to end birthright citizenship, a right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. This controversial move is expected to face significant legal challenges.
The President-elect addressed several critical issues:
- Mass deportation: Trump reiterated his plan to deport all immigrants living in the US illegally over his four-year presidency, while also expressing interest in pursuing a deal to protect “Dreamer” immigrants in the future.
- January 6 pardons: Trump confirmed he would act on pardoning January 6 defendants immediately upon taking office.
- Abortion pills: He stated he would not restrict the availability of abortion pills, signaling a notable position on reproductive rights.
- Federal reserve chair: Trump clarified he has no plans to ask Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down.
Nato exit consideration: When asked about NATO, Trump said he “absolutely would consider” exiting the alliance.- Tariffs: He acknowledged that Americans might face higher costs due to tariffs but did not offer guarantees against price hikes.
Critics argue that some of his plans, particularly those targeting immigration and NATO, could ignite fierce debates in Congress and among international allies.
Immigration overhaul and birthright citizenship
Immigration remains a central focus of Trump’s agenda, with plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, beginning with those convicted of crimes. He acknowledged the challenges of such an operation, saying, “It’s a very tough thing to do…but you have rules, regulations, laws.”
Trump also indicated that families with mixed immigration statuses could face deportation together, adding, “I don’t want to be breaking up families, so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and send them all back.”
On the controversial issue of birthright citizenship, Trump proposed eliminating the constitutional guarantee, even suggesting the possibility of amending the Constitution. “We’ll maybe have to go back to the people,” he said.
However, he showed a more conciliatory tone on the issue of Dreamers, individuals brought to the US illegally as children. Trump voiced support for a bipartisan legislative solution, praising Dreamers who have become successful members of society.
Immediate pardons for January 6 rioters
Trump reiterated his controversial stance on the January 6 Capitol attack, pledging to pardon those convicted for their roles on his first day in office. “These people are living in hell,” he said, arguing that many have faced excessively harsh treatment. He added that he would not direct the Department of Justice or the FBI to pursue investigations into political opponents, framing his approach as a focus on future success rather than retribution.
However, he criticized those involved in the investigations against him, calling special counsel Jack Smith “very corrupt” and members of the House committee investigating the attack “political thugs” and “creeps.” While denying plans for punitive actions, Trump suggested his incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel would have the autonomy to make decisions on legal enforcement.
Domestic policy plans
Trump vowed to extend tax cuts from his first term and ruled out raising the age for Social Security and Medicare benefits, in contrast to spending reduction efforts led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. When asked about cutting these programs, he stated, “I won’t do it.”
On the federal minimum wage, stagnant at $7.25 an hour since 2009, Trump expressed openness to increasing it but deferred the decision to governors. “I will agree, it’s a very low number,” he acknowledged during NBC interview.
Regarding healthcare, Trump called the Affordable Care Act “a disaster” but admitted he lacks a fully developed plan to replace it, saying, “I don’t know that you’ll see it at all.”
Trade policies and foreign relations
Trump reaffirmed his intent to levy tariffs on imports from major trading partners, despite acknowledging the potential financial impact on American families. “I can’t guarantee anything,” he admitted when asked if he could ensure families wouldn’t pay more.
On foreign policy, Trump maintained a tough stance on NATO, suggesting U.S. participation depends on allied countries paying their share: “If they pay their bills, absolutely.” He also hinted at reduced military aid to Ukraine, stating that while he aims to end the war, the country “can possibly” expect less support from the U.S.
In a surprising move, Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris after the interview to discuss a path toward peace in Ukraine.
‘No American carnage’
In a departure from his 2017 inaugural speech, which infamously referred to “American carnage,” Trump promised a more unifying message this time around. “It will make you happy: unity. It’s going to be a message of unity,” he said.
When asked about his message to Americans who didn’t vote for him, Trump pledged equal treatment, saying, “I’m going to treat you every bit as well as I have treated the greatest MAGA supporters.”
