In a recent phone interview with NBC News, President-elect Donald Trump outlined several immediate plans and priorities as he prepares to assume office. Among his top agendas, he mentioned that mass deportations of undocumented immigrants will commence “very quickly” after his inauguration, underscoring his longstanding push for stricter immigration enforcement. During the interview conducted with “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker, Trump highlighted the urgency of his immigration policies, indicating a swift approach to remove individuals he labeled as “criminals” from the United States.
Trump’s comments on immigration reflect a broader intention to sign a substantial number of executive actions on his first day in office. When asked if he would sign “more than 100” actions, he did not shy away but instead confirmed that the figure would be “at least in that category.” This sets a tone of rapid administrative activity intended to reshape policies and governance in line with his campaign promises.
Moreover, Trump indicated he would “most likely” delay a ban on the popular Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok for 90 days following his inauguration. He acknowledged that the situation surrounding TikTok required careful consideration, especially concerning its potential sale to U.S. investors and the legal framework in place for such a decision. He expressed that an extension would be appropriate and implied that he might announce this decision immediately after his inauguration.
In addition to the issues surrounding immigration and TikTok, Trump also communicated his plans to visit the Los Angeles area to assess the extensive wildfire damage that has plagued the region. He mentioned that he had initially considered visiting early before his inauguration but opted to wait for a more appropriate time as president. His decision reflects a desire to be present for communities affected by the natural disaster, indicating emphasis on leadership and responsiveness.
When discussing international relations, notably his interaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump reiterated his commitment to ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He expressed a firm approach toward the peace process, cautioning that “all hell will break out” if the ceasefire agreements are not respected. Here, Trump signaled respect as a crucial aspect of international diplomacy for the United States, declaring, “The United States has to get respected again, and it has to get respected fast.”
Looking ahead to the inauguration ceremony scheduled for Monday, Trump fashioned a vision of a successful event despite the anticipated cold temperatures in Washington, D.C. He stated that the ceremony will be held in the Capitol Rotunda, rather than outdoors, promising attendees a comfortable environment for the proceedings. He also shared that the overarching themes of his address would include “Unity and strength, and also the word fairness.” This framing could appeal to a wide audience, especially after a tumultuous political landscape marked by division.
Furthermore, Trump touched on the cooperative efforts between his team and that of the Biden administration in negotiating a ceasefire agreement amidst the conflict with Hamas. The convergence of both teams, historically rival factions, points to a growing recognition of collaborative efforts in tackling complex international crises. Key figures from both administrations, including Brett McGurk from Biden’s team and Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, emphasized the unified commitment towards achieving peace during these negotiations.
Overall, Trump’s plans represent a significant shift in the governance of the United States, focusing on immigration, social media policies, disaster response, and foreign affairs. Through swift executive actions and decisive policy initiatives, he aims to assert control over the agenda from the onset of his presidency while emphasizing respect, fairness, and unity as the thematic essence of his administration going forward. The implications of these plans will undoubtedly shape discussions in both domestic and international arenas as he formally steps into his role next week.
