President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end automatic U.S. citizenship for children born on American soil, marking a key priority for his administration as he prepares to take office next month. Speaking in an interview with NBC’s *Meet the Press*, Trump called the current policy “ridiculous” and emphasized that he intends to end it as soon as he assumes office.
However, efforts to implement such a change could face significant legal challenges, as the provision is enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Any attempt to alter this would require a constitutional amendment, a process that would need approval from two-thirds of Congress and ratification from three-fourths of U.S. states.
During the wide-ranging interview, recorded on Friday, Trump outlined several other key policy goals for his first day in office. These included issuing numerous executive orders on issues such as the economy, energy, and immigration. He also confirmed his plans to pardon individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, an event in which his supporters stormed Congress following his defeat in the 2020 presidential election.
Trump suggested he would consider pardons on a case-by-case basis for those convicted in connection with the riot, adding that some had been held in “filthy” conditions. He reiterated his commitment to swift action upon taking office, stating, “First day,” in reference to his plans.
The president-elect also discussed his stance on immigration, particularly his pledge to deport undocumented immigrants. He emphasized his intention to deport families together, stating that the only way to avoid separating families would be to send them all back. Trump indicated that while he remained firm on deportation, he would be open to working with Democrats on a path forward for “Dreamers”—undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
In other key policy areas, Trump addressed the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), stating that the U.S. would remain in the alliance if member countries “pay their bills” and treat the U.S. “fairly.” He also suggested that U.S. support for Ukraine could be reduced when he returns to the White House.
On the topic of abortion, Trump clarified that he would not seek restrictions on abortion pills, though he left open the possibility of changes, stating, “Well, I commit. I mean… things change.”
In addition, Trump discussed his plans for Social Security, reiterating his promise not to cut the program or raise its eligibility age. However, he did mention plans to make it “more efficient” without providing specifics.
Trump also addressed his controversial views on vaccines, saying that “somebody has to find out” if there is a connection between autism and childhood vaccines, despite numerous studies debunking this claim. He suggested his nominee for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would look into the matter further.
Regarding U.S. trade, Trump acknowledged the potential for higher consumer prices if tariffs on imports from major trading partners were implemented, but he did not guarantee the outcome, saying, “I can’t guarantee anything.”
As he prepares for his return to the White House, Trump is also facing questions about retribution against political adversaries. While he stated that he would not seek a special counsel investigation into President Joe Biden and his family, he expressed a desire for legal action against members of the Democratic-led House committee that investigated him. He added that certain individuals involved in the committee should be jailed.
Former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, a key figure in the investigation, responded, calling Trump’s comments a “continuation of his assault on the rule of law.” Despite this, Trump maintained his focus on achieving success for the country, stating, “Retribution will be through success.”
Trump’s remarks are shaping up to define his agenda as he prepares for his second term in office, with major policy changes expected in immigration, international relations, and domestic governance.
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