President Donald Trump told NBC’s Tom Llamas that his administration is prioritizing the removal of violent criminals, defending recent immigration enforcement actions and considering tariff-funded rebate checks for Americans. He predicted lower interest rates, described AI as a major jobs and security driver, and reiterated claims about foreign- policy and military successes. Trump also discussed legal fights over leaked tax material, ballot reviews in Fulton County and White House renovations while defending his record on crime and the economy.
Trump Tells NBC He’s Prioritizing Criminal Deportations, Tariff-Funded Relief, Lower Rates and Federal Crime Interventions
Read the extended transcript: President Donald Trump interviewed by 'NBC Nightly News' anchor Tom Llamas
President Donald Trump gave an extended interview to NBC News anchor Tom Llamas in the Oval Office, addressing immigration enforcement, crime, the economy, the Federal Reserve, artificial intelligence, foreign policy and legal controversies. Much of the interview centers on the administration’s law-enforcement approach — including recent actions tied to Minneapolis — and broader claims about economic and national-security gains.
Immigration, Minneapolis And Federal Enforcement
Trump defended recent immigration enforcement moves, saying federal action that affected roughly 700 officers in Minneapolis reflected a demand that local officials ask for federal help and cooperate in returning violent offenders. He repeatedly framed the administration’s priority as removing "hardened" criminals and drug traffickers, and he repeated a figure he attributed to the prior administration — that 11,888 murderers entered the United States — saying his teams are focused on capturing, returning or incarcerating violent offenders.
He said crime has fallen in several cities — calling out a 25% drop in Chicago — and insisted that federal deployments and arrests were a key driver of those improvements. Trump said five U.S. cities are being evaluated for possible federal interventions if local officials request assistance.
On The Economy, Tariffs And Rebate Checks
The president touted large private investment since his election and defended his tariff policy as both a bargaining tool and a revenue source. He repeated that tariff receipts could be used for direct payments to Americans and said he was considering $2,000 rebate checks funded by tariff revenue. Trump also cited recent drops in gasoline prices and a short-term inflation figure he described as 1.2% over three months, using those data points to argue the economy is improving.
Federal Reserve And Interest Rates
Trump said he expects interest rates to be lowered and indicated that his Fed nominee aligns with that view. He criticized what he described as excessive Federal Reserve project spending and argued that lower rates, alongside growth, will ease debt pressures.
Artificial Intelligence And Manufacturing
The president called AI an epochal technology that will create jobs and defense and medical advances, while acknowledging potential risks. He argued the U.S. leads other countries on AI investment and described recent manufacturing gains — including auto-plant activity in Michigan — as signs of industrial resurgence.
Foreign Policy, Military Actions And Security
Trump described conversations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, announced reciprocal state visits, and reiterated his stance that the U.S. is rebuilding strategic strength. He claimed a past strike neutralized an Iranian nuclear site and said U.S. forces used a device he dubbed a "discombobulator" in a Venezuela raid; those assertions were presented as the president’s characterizations of military operations. He warned Iran’s leadership to be cautious and framed recent actions as protective of regional stability.
Legal Battles, Ballot Probes And Election Integrity
The president discussed legal efforts including a lawsuit over alleged IRS leaks of his tax information, saying any damages would go to charity. He reiterated criticism of the FBI’s Mar-a-Lago search and commented on ongoing probe activity in Fulton County concerning ballots, saying investigators will determine whether misconduct affected results. Trump again called for voter ID and signaled openness to federal oversight in jurisdictions he described as having "corrupt" election practices.
White House Projects, Personal Health And Security
Trump described renovations at the White House, plans for a large commemorative arch and a new ballroom with reinforced, "drone-proof" ceilings and bulletproof windows. He acknowledged worries about personal safety after assassination attempts but said officials must put security concerns aside to govern. On his health, he said he remains physically and mentally vigorous, noting he continues routine medical and cognitive testing.
Takeaway
Throughout the interview, Trump emphasized law-and-order themes, economic growth tied to tariffs and investment, and a robust national-security posture. Many of the figures and assertions he offered were presented as his claims; several of those points are fact-checked and contested by other sources. The interview underscored the administration’s priorities and messaging strategy heading into upcoming political cycles.
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