Staff Reports
President-elect Donald Trump recently made headlines with an extensive interview that showcased a surprising array of policy plans. This long-awaited chat attracted attention not merely for its content but also for the fact that Trump has largely favored social media posts over traditional interviews since clinching the presidency in November. It seems the man is ready to shake things up again, despite his radio silence.
Among the policy items discussed was Trump’s willingness to reassess the federal minimum wage. Currently stuck at the paltry figure of $7.25 an hour, a number that has remained stagnant since 2009, Trump hinted at a potential increase higher than that yawningly low amount. Interestingly, this is a typical progressive talking point, with places like Washington, D.C. boasting a minimum wage that rivals some federal budgets at $17.50 an hour. Could this be Trump dipping his toe into waters usually reserved for the left? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: he does consider the current wage “very low.” Well, who wouldn’t?
Another eyebrow-raising revelation involved the “dreamers”—those immigrants who entered the country unlawfully as children. Rather than advocating for mass deportations of these individuals, Trump suggested a legislative path forward to “do something” for them. This diplomatic approach hardly spells an end to his tough immigration policies, as he still aims for aggressive deportation measures and a potential push to eliminate birthright citizenship. It’s a classic case of trying to please the moderates while keeping the base entertained.
Turning to the Jan. 6 incidents, Trump was clear about his plans to issue pardons for those involved, promising to act swiftly as soon as he takes office. He empathized with these individuals, exclaiming they are “living in Hell.” At the same time, he doesn’t hesitate to take shots at his political adversaries, labeling politicians like Adam Schiff as “real lowlifes.” While he may not be inclined to pursue retribution through special investigations into Biden, he hasn’t shied away from calling for consequences for the Jan. 6 committee members, whom he branded “political thugs and creeps.” Clearly, he’s got that fighting spirit down to a science.
Trump breaks down plans for deportations and border security.
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— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 9, 2024
On international matters, Trump expressed intentions to bring an end to the Ukraine war, while hinting at potential cuts in military aid. He didn’t exactly commit to maintaining military alliances like NATO unless member countries cough up more cash. This kind of deal-making mentality is typical of Trump, one that underscores his “America First” philosophy. Meanwhile, he acknowledged that his promised tariffs might lead to price increases for Americans—a comforting thought for households already grappling with inflation.
Amid all this posturing and promise-making, Trump revealed aspirations of steering clear of the gritty rhetoric of his 2017 “American Carnage” inauguration speech. Instead, he vowed to promote unity, implying he would treat dissenters just as well as his loyal supporters. This newfound commitment to inclusivity could be seen as a tactical pivot, signaling that while he may still be the brash and unapologetic Trump the world knows, he’s willing to give a nod to the need for a more united front, at least in theory. In any case, with a plethora of plans dominating the conversation, the upcoming term surely promises to provide plenty of fodder for both supporters and detractors alike.
