In a detailed discussion on NBC’s Meet the Press, President-elect Donald Trump laid out his perspectives on trade, immigration, NATO, and domestic policies while leaving several questions unresolved.

Trade Tariffs and Inflation

  • Trump defended tariffs as a tool to generate wealth for the U.S. but stopped short of guaranteeing they wouldn’t lead to higher prices for consumers.
  • Promised 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada unless those nations curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, as well as additional tariffs on China targeting fentanyl production.

Justice System and Political Retribution

  • Suggested political opponents, including members of the Jan. 6 Committee, should “go to jail,” but claimed he is not motivated by revenge.
  • Confirmed plans to pardon supporters convicted for their roles in the Capitol riot.
  • Said Attorney General pick Pam Bondi would handle decisions on prosecuting political rivals but backtracked on targeting Biden.

Immigration Policy

  • Committed to mass deportations and sealing the southern border but said he doesn’t want to “break up families,” suggesting deportation of entire family units.
  • Floated using executive action to end birthright citizenship, a move that would likely face legal challenges.

NATO and Ukraine

  • Reaffirmed NATO membership but linked continued participation to allies meeting defense spending obligations.
  • Signaled potential reductions in U.S. military aid to Ukraine, suggesting Ukraine “prepare for less U.S. assistance” while calling for a ceasefire.

Domestic Leadership and Policies

  • Confirmed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell would remain in place, but indicated FBI Director Christopher Wray may be replaced with nominee Kash Patel.
  • Promised no changes to Social Security beyond efficiency improvements, dismissing ideas of raising the eligibility age.
  • Showed reluctance to outline clear positions on abortion access and health care, stating things “could change.”

Economic Outlook

  • Touted efforts by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to improve government efficiency without jeopardizing key programs like Social Security.
  • Offered vague assurances on replacing the Affordable Care Act with a system offering “better health care for less money” while maintaining protections for preexisting conditions.

Trump’s plans reflect bold promises but raise significant uncertainty across domestic and foreign policies. His ambiguous stances on inflation, NATO, and health care reform, combined with controversial proposals on immigration and justice, set the stage for contentious policy battles as his administration takes shape.