In his first major sit-down interview since winning the presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump told NBC News’ Meet the Press that he remains committed to pardoning individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
Trump went a step further, suggesting that members of the Democrat-led January 6 Committee — including outspoken critics like Liz Cheney — “should go to jail.”
“Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker.
When asked specifically if he meant Liz Cheney, he replied: “For what they did.”
However, Trump clarified that he would not directly order his attorney general or FBI director to carry out such prosecutions, stating:
“They’ll have to look at that… I’m going to focus on drill, baby, drill.”
Trump Signals Possible Executive Action on Birthright Citizenship
During the interview, Trump also indicated he may pursue executive action to end birthright citizenship, which grants automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. regardless of their parents’ legal status.
Such a move would face immediate legal challenges regarding its constitutionality.
Plans for Mass Deportations and Immigration Reform
When asked about mass deportations, Trump said the U.S. must enforce its laws:
“You have to do it… They came in illegally.”
He emphasized that legal immigrants waiting in line for years are treated unfairly and argued for a streamlined, merit-based system.
Trump also suggested he wants to “work something out” for Dreamers — individuals brought to the U.S. illegally as children — though he did not lay out a specific plan.
Will Trump Pursue Charges Against Biden?
Welker pressed Trump on whether he intends to target President Joe Biden, referencing Trump’s June 12, 2023 Truth Social post made amid multiple indictments.
Trump insisted he is focused on the country’s future:
“I’m really looking to make our country successful… Retribution will be through success.”
Still, he acknowledged that decisions involving legal action would fall to Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi and FBI Director nominee Kash Patel if they are confirmed.
Trump Defends Tariff Strategy Despite Economic Concerns
Trump also defended his call for large-scale tariffs, brushing aside economists’ warnings that costs could be passed on to consumers.
“I can’t guarantee anything… but before COVID, we had the greatest economy in American history, and we had tariffs — especially on China — and no inflation.”
The article notes that past administrations from both parties have imposed tariffs. More recently, President Biden approved significant tariff increases on Chinese goods, ranging from 25% to 50%.
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