Criticizes Biden and Downplays TikTok Spying Concerns
Washington DC:
US President Donald Trump recently gave his first interview since returning to the White House and took aim at his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, for issuing multiple pardons for family members and officials on his last day in office. Trump revealed that he was offered the option to pardon himself at the end of his first term but decided against it.
Trump’s Views on Being Back In Office
During the interview with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity, Trump shared his thoughts on returning to the Oval Office. He expressed that he believed his administration did not deserve to face the challenges that arose, reiterating his baseless claims of electoral victory in 2020.
Trump stated, “It could have been done, a lot of work could have been done, it would have been over. We wouldn’t have inflation, the Afghanistan disaster, the Israel incident on October 7, or the Ukraine war. But despite these challenges, I believe our country’s problems are solvable, especially with the support of the unified Republican caucus in Congress.”
Plans to Address Illegal Immigration
Trump also discussed his intentions to address illegal immigration by potentially cutting off federal funds to “sanctuary cities,” which resist cooperating with the national government on immigration enforcement. He emphasized the need to eliminate these cities and acknowledged the opposition within these communities.
When questioned about potentially cutting off funding, Trump responded, “I might have to do that. Sometimes that’s the only solution.”
Trump’s Stance on TikTok and Security Concerns
The President downplayed security concerns related to the TikTok app, attributing the issue to products made in China. He questioned the necessity of China spying on young individuals through the app, highlighting the prevalence of Chinese-made products in the market.
Trump remarked, “We have so many things made in China. So why don’t they mention that? The interesting thing with TikTok though is you’re dealing with a lot of young people. Is it that important for China to be spying on young people? Young people watching crazy videos and things.”
Defending Pardons to Capitol Rioters
Addressing his pardons of nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol Riot, Trump defended his actions by claiming that most of the individuals were innocent. He reiterated his belief in the innocence of the rioters and justified his decision to grant pardons.
Trump’s interview shed light on his perspectives on various critical issues, ranging from immigration policy to national security concerns. His remarks offer insights into his approach to governance and his priorities as he navigates the challenges facing the country.