Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on the 8th (local time).
In an interview with NBC, Trump stated, “I won’t keep the United States in NATO,” adding that “if they pay (appropriate) costs, of course, we should participate in NATO,” and that “in that case, the U.S. role in the alliance will be maintained.” This is interpreted as a warning that NATO allies need to increase their contributions for the U.S. to remain in NATO. During his campaign, Trump had stated that he would withdraw from NATO if allied nations did not pay their fair share of defense costs.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, he said, “I am actively working to end it,” but added that if he takes office, “Ukraine might not receive as much military support from the U.S. as now.”
On immigration policy, Trump announced plans to “deport many illegal immigrants,” specifying that “criminals with convictions will be prioritized,” and “if both citizens and illegal entrants are apprehended together, they will be deported together.” Furthermore, he revealed plans to abolish the birthright citizenship outlined in the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to those born on U.S. soil.
Trump also expressed his intention to fulfill his campaign promise to “impose tariffs on imports from the U.S.’s largest trading partner,” which is interpreted as referring to China. He previously stated that he would impose a 60% tariff on Chinese imports upon reelection.
When asked if he intended to replace Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Trump responded, “No, I don’t think so.” During his presidential campaign, Trump had mentioned that while the President shouldn’t dictate interest rate decisions, he did desire at least some say. This raised the possibility that Powell, who values the Fed’s independence, might not complete his term after Trump’s inauguration.
This was Trump’s first interview with major media following his election victory, recorded on the 6th.