(NewsNation) — People got a clearer picture of what President-elect Donald Trump is planning to do once he gets to the White House in his first major postelection interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” over the weekend.
When it comes to the agenda for his second term, Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker he wants to make broad changes on issues such as immigration and the economy.
Trump on Immigration
Trump repeated his intention to enact mass deportations and an end to birthright citizenship.
Asked about families where one spouse is in the U.S. legally and the other is not, Trump said, “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 you have to send them all back.”
Forever chemicals tainting food supply, destroying American farmers
However, Trump said he wants to work with Democrats on a plan for the more than 535,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in the United States, also known as “Dreamers.” DACA lets people who came to the country as children request consideration of deferred action for two years, with an option to renew it.
When it comes to the money it could cost to deport millions of people, Trump told NBC there is “no choice.”
Trump on Foreign Policy
During his interview, Trump said he’s trying to end the Russia-Ukraine war “if I can” and that Ukraine should “possibly” prepare for less aid from the United States after he’s sworn in.
He also did not commit to keeping the U.S. in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization unless “they pay their bills,” as he claimed it is “taking advantage” of America.
“If I think they’re .. .treating us fairly, the answer is absolutely, I’d stay with NATO,” Trump said. If not, Trump said to Welker, he’d “absolutely” consider the possibility of getting out.
Trump’s Economic Agenda
Tariffs on U.S. foreign trade partners were a key promise Trump campaigned on.
“I’m a big believer in tariffs. I think tariffs are the most beautiful word. I think they’re beautiful. It’s going to make us rich,” he said to Welker. Still, Trump said he can’t “guarantee” that American families won’t see higher prices.
“I can’t guarantee anything,” Trump said. “I can’t guarantee tomorrow.”
Daniel Penny trial: Jurors return to deliberate lesser charge
Trump said he wouldn’t ask Jerome Powell to step down as chairman of the Federal Reserve or raise the age of government programs like Social Security and Medicare. In addition, Trump said he will not make cuts to either program.
Jan. 6 Capitol Riots
Calling them “political thugs” and “creeps,” Trump said members of the House of Representatives committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot “should go to jail.”
The president-elect said he would not direct the Department of Justice or FBI to punish them. He did, though, say he would pardon those convicted in connection to the attack on the Capitol.
At the same time, Trump said he does not want to go back into the past.
“I am looking to make our country successful,” Trump said. “Retribution will be through success.”
