Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has reiterated his controversial pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and end birthright citizenship in the country.
In his first major interview since winning the 2024 election, Trump outlined his aggressive plans during NBC’s Meet the Press.
The interview, moderated by Kristen Welker, covered key aspects of Trump’s agenda, offering a glimpse into the policies he intends to implement upon assuming office in January.
“This country cannot continue to support this,” Trump declared, referring to what he described as the burden of illegal immigration.
He insisted that his administration would “have to” deport all undocumented immigrants, framing the move as a necessity for protecting America’s borders and sovereignty.
The former and soon-to-be president also took aim at birthright citizenship, which grants automatic citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
“We have to end it,” Trump stated emphatically.
Describing the policy as “ridiculous,” he said he might use executive action to achieve this goal as early as his first day in office.
However, he also hinted at pursuing a constitutional amendment to ensure the change would stand.
“If we can do it through executive action, we will. But either way, it has to go,” Trump said firmly.
Trump’s comments come as he doubles down on the hardline promises that characterised his 2024 campaign.
Having defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election, Trump appears intent on carrying through with his often polarizing policies.
His rhetoric has sparked widespread debate, with critics warning that such actions could lead to legal battles and international backlash.
Supporters, on the other hand, argue that his proposals reflect the will of voters who demanded stricter immigration controls and an “America First” approach.
In a dramatic addition to his interview, Trump revisited his contentious stance on NATO, suggesting the U.S. could withdraw from the alliance if members fail to meet their financial obligations.
“They have to pay their bills,” Trump insisted, describing NATO as a partnership that must be “fair” to the United States.
Asked whether he would seriously consider leaving the alliance, Trump responded, “Absolutely. If they don’t treat us fairly, we’re out.”
This is not the first time Trump has clashed with NATO members. During his previous term, he frequently criticised the alliance for what he called unequal contributions by member nations.
Trump’s return to the presidency marks a historic moment as he becomes the first U.S. leader to serve two non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century.
Since his victory, he has wasted no time signaling that his second term will be as combative and transformative as his first.
His focus on immigration, tariffs, and foreign policy reflects his determination to reshape the nation’s policies to align with his vision.
Trump’s remarks during the interview have drawn swift reactions from across the political spectrum.
Civil rights groups have criticized his proposals as draconian and likely to sow division in an already polarized nation.
Meanwhile, Republican allies have rallied behind him, hailing his plans as bold steps to restore American greatness.
“This is just the beginning,” a Trump campaign spokesperson said after the interview aired.
The spokesperson described Trump’s policies as “a roadmap for a safer, stronger America.”
While Trump’s supporters applaud his decisive approach, legal experts warn that his plans could face significant challenges.
Ending birthright citizenship, for instance, would likely require a constitutional amendment, a process that demands the approval of two-thirds of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures.
Similarly, mass deportations could encounter logistical and humanitarian obstacles, as well as resistance from courts and advocacy groups.
