US President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to end birthright citizenship, a policy granting citizenship to individuals born in the United States, even if their parents are undocumented. This protection, established under the Constitution, would be removed for children born to undocumented parents under his proposal. In a comprehensive interview with NBC’s Meet The Press, which also covered topics such as January 6 pardons and the war in Ukraine, Trump reinforced his campaign promise to implement mass deportations of illegal immigrants.
He stated that the effort would initially target undocumented individuals who have committed unspecified crimes before expanding to include others without criminal records. According to Trump, the initiative is necessary, saying, “There is no choice.”
"I think you have to do it," he said. "It's a very tough thing to do… they came in illegally. You know, the people that have been treated very unfairly are the people that have been in line for 10 years to come into the country."
When asked about the future of individuals brought to the U.S. illegally as children and protected from deportation in recent years, Donald Trump stated, “I want to work something out,” suggesting he may seek a legislative solution with Congress.
Trump also called on Vladimir Putin to broker an immediate resolution to the war in Ukraine, describing it as the Russian president’s “time to act.” On social media, he claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine are open to negotiating a deal to “stop the madness.”
Advocating for an “immediate ceasefire,” Trump highlighted his familiarity with Putin, saying, “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The world is waiting!”
When questioned on NBC about the possibility of the U.S. reducing aid to Ukraine, Trump responded, “possibly,” and reiterated his warning that the U.S. might withdraw from NATO if other member states fail to increase their financial contributions.
“If they’re paying their bills, and if I think they’re treating us fairly, the answer if absolutely I’d stay with NATO,” Trump added.
