Deportations, Jan 6, tariffs: Trump outlines aggressive agenda for first days in office

In a wide-ranging “Meet the Press” interview, President-elect Donald Trump previewed a sweeping set of policies and initiatives for his administration, including mass deportations, January 6 pardons, and potential legal actions against political opponents. Trump also reiterated his plans to challenge birthright citizenship, teased potential changes to foreign policy, and promised entitlement program efficiencies without cuts.

Deportation Plans and Immigration Policies

Trump pledged a focus on deporting migrants with criminal records while leaving open the possibility of targeting others who entered the U.S. illegally.

• On Mixed-Status Families: He stated he does not want to break up families, but would deport entire families to avoid separation.
• Dreamers: Trump expressed willingness to work with Democrats on a plan for “Dreamers,” acknowledging their unique circumstances.
• Birthright Citizenship: He reiterated his campaign promise to end birthright citizenship, suggesting executive action despite constitutional protections.

January 6 Pardons and Legal Actions Against Opponents

Trump promised to issue pardons to January 6 defendants on his first day in office, describing their detentions as unjust and inhumane.

• On Political Opponents: He accused former Rep. Liz Cheney and January 6 Committee members of wrongdoing, suggesting they “should go to jail.” However, Trump clarified that decisions to investigate or prosecute would be left to his appointees, including Pam Bondi (Attorney General) and Kash Patel (FBI Director).
• Preemptive Pardons: He commented that President Biden “might want to” issue preemptive pardons to protect members of Congress and officials who investigated Trump.

Economic and Domestic Policies

Trump outlined plans to impose additional tariffs on major trading partners, including Mexico, Canada, and China, to create what he described as a more equitable economy.

• On Tariffs and Inflation: Trump claimed tariffs imposed during his first term “cost Americans nothing,” a statement contradicted by economic analyses.
• Entitlement Programs: He promised not to cut Social Security or raise the retirement age, but pledged to increase efficiency and eliminate waste.

Public Health and Vaccination

Trump, after nominating Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, suggested the administration might investigate the safety of childhood vaccines, citing debunked claims linking vaccines to autism.

Foreign Policy Highlights

• NATO and Europe: Trump refused to commit to keeping the U.S. in NATO without increased contributions from allies, saying he would “absolutely” consider withdrawing if allies failed to meet funding requirements.
• Ukraine Aid: He hinted at potentially reducing U.S. aid to Ukraine, saying, “possibly, probably, sure.”

Calls for Unity and Transparency

While emphasizing unity and success as the cornerstones of his administration, Trump pledged to release his medical records to address concerns about his age and health, stating, “I think anybody should.”

Trump’s outlined plans signal significant policy shifts and potential legal battles, ensuring a polarizing start to his administration. His comments have already drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, including Liz Cheney, who labeled his threats as an attack on the rule of law.