President-elect Donald Trump discussed potential conflicts, immigration policies, and domestic reforms in a wide-ranging interview with Time magazine.
War With Iran: "Anything Can Happen"
Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of a war with Iran during his upcoming administration. When asked about the chances of conflict, Trump said, “Anything can happen,” after a pause, according to Time.
The comment comes amid heightened tensions with Iran, which targeted Trump in an alleged assassination plot during the presidential campaign. The Iranian regime faces mounting pressure following regional conflicts and instability in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.
Using U.S. Leverage in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Trump voiced strong opposition to Ukraine's use of U.S.-made missiles to strike Russian territory, describing it as an unnecessary escalation. “We’re just making it worse,” he said, criticizing the Biden administration for easing restrictions on missile deployment.
Trump emphasized a desire to broker peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, indicating he would use U.S. support for Ukraine as leverage in negotiations. “The only way you’re going to reach an agreement is not to abandon [Ukraine],” he explained. His remarks align with his goal to end multiple global conflicts, including the war between Israel and Hamas.
Immigration Policies: Military Involvement and Deportations
Trump reiterated plans to use the U.S. military to address illegal immigration, arguing that the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in domestic affairs, doesn’t apply in cases of “invasion.” He said he would act within the bounds of the law but pursue the “maximum level” of enforcement.
His incoming border czar, Tom Homan, supported this approach, noting that the military could serve as a “force multiplier” by assisting law enforcement. On family separation policies, Trump said he prefers deporting families together but didn’t rule out the possibility of separating children if necessary. “I don’t believe we’ll have to because we will send the whole family back,” he said.
Pardons for Jan. 6 Rioters
Trump vowed to pardon most individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack. He described the conditions faced by incarcerated rioters as “filthy” and pledged swift action: “It’s going to start in the first hour, maybe the first nine minutes,” he said.
However, he noted potential exceptions for individuals deemed “radical” or “crazy.” Over 1,600 defendants have been charged, with nearly half sentenced to prison.
Filibuster Stance and Legislative Challenges
Trump expressed support for maintaining the Senate filibuster, which requires 60 votes to advance legislation. While progressive lawmakers have pushed to eliminate it, Trump signaled he would rely on executive orders to bypass roadblocks if the filibuster hindered his agenda. “If I have even a little bit of trouble, I go to an Executive Order because I can get it done,” he told Time.
Economic Policy: Lowering Prices a Challenge
Trump backtracked on campaign promises to quickly reduce grocery prices, admitting, “It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up.” This contrasts with earlier pledges to voters, where he claimed prices would “come down fast.”
The Bottom Line
Trump’s interview offered a glimpse into his priorities and strategies for a potential second term. From foreign policy to domestic reforms, his approach reflects a mix of aggressive enforcement and reliance on executive authority to achieve his goals. Whether these plans materialize will depend on political dynamics and bipartisan cooperation.
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