Trump Vows to End Birthright Citizenship and Pardon Capitol Rioters
Trump’s First Day Plans Include Pardons for Capitol Rioters and Immigration Overhaul
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to take swift action on his first day in office, promising pardons for those involved in the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot and proposing a major overhaul of the country’s birthright citizenship policy. In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump expressed support for pardoning individuals convicted for their roles in the Capitol attack, calling their conditions “hell” and describing their detention as “filthy” and “disgusting.”
“We’re going to look at independent cases, but I’ll be acting very quickly. First day,” he said.
Birthright Citizenship and Immigration Reforms
Trump also reiterated his commitment to ending automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S., a practice rooted in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. He argued that birthright citizenship needed to be changed and suggested that it may require a vote by the public.
“We’re going to have to get it changed,” Trump said. “Maybe we have to go back to the people. But we have to end it.”
Regarding undocumented immigrants, Trump said he would follow through on his campaign promise to deport those living in the U.S. illegally, even if they have U.S.-born children. “I don’t want to be breaking up families,” he explained. “So the only way you don’t break up the family is to keep them together and send them all back.”
Executive Orders and Policy Plans
Trump indicated that his first day in office would be busy, with several executive orders planned on issues such as immigration, energy, and the economy. However, he avoided committing to a justice department investigation into President Joe Biden, though he did suggest some political adversaries, including lawmakers involved in investigating the Capitol riot, should face imprisonment.
NATO and Foreign Policy
On the international front, Trump hinted that the U.S. could pull back from NATO unless member nations meet their financial obligations and treat the U.S. fairly. He stated, “If they’re paying their bills and treating us fairly, I’d absolutely stay with NATO.”
Trump also indicated that Ukraine could expect less U.S. aid under his administration, saying they should “probably” receive less support.
Healthcare and Social Security
Trump addressed healthcare and social security in the interview, stating that he would not impose restrictions on abortion pills, though he left room for change. He also reiterated that he would not cut Social Security or raise its eligibility age, though he said he would work to make the system “more efficient.”
Tariffs and Economic Policies
Regarding his economic agenda, Trump said that while he would push for tariffs on imports from major U.S. trading partners, he could not guarantee that it wouldn’t lead to higher consumer prices. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” he said.
Vaccine Controversy and Health Secretary Nominee
On health issues, Trump reignited a long-debunked theory about vaccines and autism. He suggested that his nominee for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, would investigate any potential link between childhood vaccines and autism, despite multiple global studies that have dismissed such a connection.
Trump’s First 100 Days
As Trump prepares for his return to the White House on January 20, 2025, his policy plans are set to reshape immigration, healthcare, and foreign policy. His promise to issue a flurry of executive orders reflects his commitment to enacting significant change on his first day in office.
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