President-elect Donald Trump’s Time Person of the Year interview offered a sweeping look at his perspectives on major domestic and international issues. Here are the key highlights from the interview, conducted at Mar-a-Lago in November:
1. Tackling Inflation
Trump acknowledged the difficulty of reducing inflation, noting that it’s challenging to lower prices once they’ve risen. He emphasized improving energy production and addressing supply chain disruptions as key strategies. However, he conceded that inflation’s impact on groceries and other essentials is a tough hurdle.
2. Pardoning January 6 Defendants
Trump announced plans to review the cases of January 6 defendants on a “case-by-case” basis immediately after taking office. He stated that nonviolent offenders had been “greatly punished” and promised swift action, but he emphasized violent participants would be judged individually.
3. Withdrawing Matt Gaetz’s Nomination
Trump explained his decision to withdraw Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general nominee, citing a lack of sufficient Senate support and choosing not to expend political capital on a contentious confirmation.
4. Criticism of Kamala Harris’ Campaign Strategy
Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her limited media presence during the campaign, calling it a tactical error. He compared her reluctance to his own willingness to engage widely with the press, suggesting her absence raised questions among voters.
5. Distancing from Project 2025
Trump disavowed the controversial Project 2025 blueprint, labeling its release before the election “totally inappropriate.” While he acknowledged some positive aspects of the plan, he emphasized he did not endorse its entirety and was frustrated by its political implications.
6. Transgender Rights and Division
Trump avoided delving into the transgender bathroom debate, describing it as a “small issue” that had “ripped apart our country.” He expressed support for resolving the matter through the Supreme Court and prioritized focusing on broader concerns.
7. Military for Deportations
On immigration, Trump defended his plan to use military resources to facilitate deportations, framing illegal immigration as an “invasion” and committing to push the legal boundaries of federal authority to address the issue.
8. Elon Musk and Government Efficiency
Trump defended appointing Elon Musk to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), despite concerns about conflicts of interest given Musk’s business ties to federal agencies. Trump praised Musk’s patriotism, stating he “puts the country long before his company.”
9. Ukraine and Russia
Trump pledged not to abandon Ukraine but stressed the importance of brokering a peace deal. He criticized U.S. economic policies that he claimed enabled Russia’s invasion and described the conflict as a tragic and unnecessary war.
10. Middle East Peace and the Abraham Accords
Trump reiterated his commitment to peace in the Middle East, whether through a two-state solution or alternative frameworks. He criticized the lack of progress in expanding the Abraham Accords and highlighted his past efforts to mediate peace.
11. Trust in Netanyahu
When asked if he trusted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump bluntly responded, “I don’t trust anybody,” encapsulating his cautious approach to global diplomacy.
This extensive interview showcased Trump’s stances on critical issues as he prepares for his next term, emphasizing themes of law, order, and international negotiation.
