WASHINGTON — Donald Trump stated that he cannot assure that the tariffs he plans to implement on major foreign trade partners will not lead to increased prices for American consumers. Additionally, he alluded again to the idea that some of his political adversaries and federal officials involved in legal actions against him deserve imprisonment.
In a comprehensive interview aired on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump discussed various topics, including monetary policy, immigration, health care, abortion, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel, and other regions. Throughout the conversation, he often juxtaposed firm statements with more cautious notes, acknowledging that “things do change.”
Concerning trade, Trump has signaled his intent to impose extensive trade tariffs but cast doubt on economists’ forecasts that these measures would escalate domestic prices for consumers. He did not, however, explicitly guarantee that U.S. households would avoid price hikes. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” Trump remarked, indicating a willingness to confront the reality of how tariffs typically affect retail prices. This represents a shift from the way he has previously portrayed his candidacy as a definitive solution to rising inflation.
In his defense of tariffs, Trump insisted that they are “going to make us rich.” He asserted that on his first day in office, he intends to impose a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Mexico and Canada unless those nations take substantial measures to halt illegal immigration and the influx of drugs like fentanyl into the U.S. He has similarly threatened to introduce tariffs on China to motivate action against fentanyl production. “All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field,” Trump explained.
Trump’s remarks appeared to show a mix of intentions, especially regarding the judicial system, given his own legal issues, including 34 felony convictions in a New York court and allegations regarding how he handled national security matters and his attempts to reverse the 2020 election results. He claimed that members of Congress who looked into the actions surrounding the Capitol riots should face jail time.
Pointing out that he could use the judicial system against figures such as special prosecutor Jack Smith, who oversaw the January 6 probe, Trump also confirmed plans to pardon his supporters convicted in connection with the insurrection, asserting he would do so immediately upon taking office. However, he professed a lack of interest in seeking revenge, emphasizing his position as the chief law enforcement officer. While he stated he harbored no intent to actively pursue cases against his political opponents, he also remarked that he wanted his chosen attorney general, Pam Bondi, to handle matters as she sees fit.
Despite some of Trump’s discrepancies in tone, many Democrats are reportedly taking his threats seriously, with President Biden considering preemptive pardons to safeguard significant members of his administration. Trump seemed to temper his previous calls for a Biden investigation, declaring, “I’m not looking to go back into the past.”
On the topic of immigration, Trump reiterated his commitment to sealing the U.S.-Mexico border and executing mass deportations of individuals unlawfully residing in the country. “I think you have to do it,” he affirmed. He expressed a desire to utilize executive action to eliminate “birthright” citizenship, despite its constitutional basis. When asked about minors brought into the U.S. illegally, Trump indicated a willingness to collaborate with Congress to find a resolution while also expressing that he does not wish to separate families of mixed legal status. “The only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back,” he stated.
