This story at a glance…

1. Trump plans mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship.

2. He calls tariffs “beautiful” and vows economic reforms.

3. Fact-checks dispute claims on crime, immigration, and tariffs.

4. Bold promises raise legal and humanitarian questions.

Trump Discusses Day 1 Plans

In his first network interview since securing victory in the 2024 presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump shared his agenda for the early days of his second term. Speaking with Meet the Press, Trump outlined a broad range of policy goals spanning immigration, economic reform, healthcare, and foreign relations. While Trump presented his initiatives with confidence, his statements drew scrutiny, with some claims requiring clarification or context.

Immigration Policies and Border Security
Immigration was a central focus of Trump’s interview. He reiterated his plans for stricter border enforcement, proposing mass deportations that prioritize individuals with criminal records. “We’re going to get the criminals out first,” Trump said, emphasizing that undocumented immigrants would need to leave the country.

Trump also criticized the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of birthright citizenship, calling it “ridiculous” and promising to end the practice. This claim misrepresents the policy landscape, as more than 30 countries grant birthright citizenship.

On border security, Trump highlighted his use of tariffs during his first term, claiming that his pressure on Mexico and Canada significantly reduced border crossings. However, data shows that crossings have decreased recently due to policies implemented under the current Administration.

Fact Check:
Crime Rates: Despite Trump’s assertion that crime is at an all-time high, FBI data shows violent crime decreased by 3% and murder rates fell by 11.6% between 2022 and 2023.
Migrant Statistics: Trump claimed over 13,000 murderers entered the U.S. under Biden’s administration. DHS data reveals that this figure refers to noncitizens convicted of homicide over several decades, not recent entries.

Economic Strategy: Tariffs and Taxes
Trump emphasized his belief in tariffs as a tool for economic growth, calling them “the most beautiful word.” He defended his first-term tariffs on Chinese and South Korean washing machines, attributing the revival of Whirlpool and other companies to these measures.

While tariffs protected some U.S. industries, they also increased consumer costs. For example, the International Trade Commission reported that tariffs on washing machines created approximately 1,800 new jobs but raised prices for consumers by an average of $92 per appliance.

Trump also discussed plans to extend his first-term tax cuts, arguing they were instrumental in fostering economic growth before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fact Check:
Tariffs: Economists generally agree that tariffs lead to higher prices for consumers as businesses pass costs along.
Inflation: While Trump attributed inflation solely to Biden’s policies, it began rising in 2020 due to pandemic-related disruptions and stimulus spending.

Healthcare and Vaccine Policies
Trump vowed to explore new healthcare reforms while maintaining coverage for preexisting conditions. He also acknowledged stabilizing Obamacare during his first term, despite his opposition to the system.

On vaccines, Trump expressed interest in investigating their safety, citing rising autism rates as a potential concern. However, extensive research has consistently debunked links between vaccines and autism, with scientists attributing the increase in diagnoses to improved awareness and diagnostic tools.

Fact Check: Vaccines prevent approximately 4 million deaths annually, with no evidence linking them to autism.

Reflections on January 6 and Pardons
Trump addressed the January 6 Capitol riots, defending his supporters and pledging to pardon many convicted for their involvement. He claimed that police encouraged rioters to enter the building and accused the House committee of destroying evidence, though these claims lack substantiation.

Fact Check: No evidence supports assertions about police conduct or the alleged destruction of January 6 committee records.

Other Priorities: Foreign Policy and Social Issues
On foreign policy, Trump promised to pressure European nations to contribute more to NATO and suggested he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours. However, he declined to provide specifics about his approach.

Domestically, Trump vowed not to cut Medicare or Social Security and reiterated his commitment to criminal justice reform and tackling inflation.

Reflection
As Christians, we are called to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and hold them accountable while seeking wisdom and discernment in evaluating their actions. Whether one agrees with these policies or not, as citizens and believers, we are tasked with building bridges, not walls, within our communities.