President-elect Donald Trump has promised to prioritise pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the 2021 US Capitol riot as one of his first actions upon assuming office next month.
Speaking during an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, his first major broadcast appearance since his November election victory, Trump criticised the treatment of those jailed for their involvement, describing their conditions as “filthy” and “disgusting.”
He committed to reviewing individual cases immediately after his inauguration, saying, “These people are living in hell.
“I’ll be acting very quickly, first day,” he added.
Trump also revealed plans for a series of executive orders to address key policy areas, including immigration, energy, and the economy. Among the most notable proposals is his intention to end birthright citizenship, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born in the United States under the 14th Amendment.
“We’re going to have to get it changed. We’ll maybe have to go back to the people, but we have to end it,” he said.
He also reiterated his plans to deport undocumented immigrants, including those with US-born family members, while emphasising a willingness to collaborate with Democrats to provide support for “Dreamers,” undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children.
On foreign policy, Trump signalled that Ukraine should expect reduced aid under his leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to NATO, provided that member nations meet their financial contributions. He also stated he would not impose restrictions on abortion pills but suggested his policies could evolve depending on circumstances.
While Trump suggested he would not pursue a Justice Department investigation into outgoing President Joe Biden, he maintained that some of his political adversaries, including lawmakers who investigated the Capitol riot, “should go to jail.” He softened his tone on this topic, adding that “retribution will be through success” and that his focus is on making the country successful rather than revisiting past disputes.
Trump reiterated his commitment to protecting Social Security, promising not to raise its eligibility age or cut benefits, while pledging to make the programme “more efficient.” He also defended his plans for imposing tariffs on imports, acknowledging potential economic challenges but stating, “I can’t guarantee anything.”
Outgoing President Biden, meanwhile, has recently granted a sweeping pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, and is reportedly considering further pardons for political allies before leaving office. Responding to this, Trump emphasised that any future investigations into his political rivals would be driven by law enforcement agencies if there were evidence of wrongdoing.
As Trump prepares for his 20 January inauguration, his comments reflect a presidency poised for immediate and significant actions, likely sparking both support and controversy across the political spectrum.
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