Trump tells NBC securing border is first priority in ‘common sense’ mandate

In President-elect Donald Trump’s first interview with the mainstream press since the election, he said his victory represents a mandate to bring “common sense” back to the country.

Trump also told NBC’s Kristen Welker about his phone calls with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who acknowledged his victory as very respectful and friendly.

Biden and Harris have been roundly criticized by Trump supporters for outrageous language during the campaign that claimed American “democracy” would be in danger if Trump was reelected, although Biden struck a more moderate tone in his comments after the election.

The two presidents are planning on having lunch shortly, according to Welker.

In the phone interview, Welker asked the President-elect about his plans for handling the illegal immigration problem.

Trump’s answer was unequivocal: Making the border safe and secure would be his first priority.

When asked by Welker about the cost of his mass deportation plan, Trump stated there is no price tag.

“You have no choice,” said Trump.

“We obviously have to make the border strong and powerful and, and we have to, at the same time, we want people to come into our country,” he told Welker. “And you know, I’m not somebody that says, ‘No, you can’t come in.’ We want people to come in.”

Trump also said he’s spoken to about 70 world leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, but hadn’t yet spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky and Putin have been locked in a war since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Trump reiterated to Welker his goal to end the war in Ukraine immediately, despite skepticism that this would require Ukraine to cede territory.

Ukraine needs heavy U.S. subsidies of money and weapons to continue fighting.

When asked by an NBC host about the “vibe” she got from Trump during the call, Welker observed that the newly-elected president sounded “bullish” and confident following his decisive victory.

Trump is likely buoyed by the realignment in voter support for his campaign, noting increased backing from various groups, including Latinos, young men, low propensity voters, and even some women.

Trump was able to put together a coalition of voters reminiscent of Reagan’s coalition of blue-collar workers known as “Reagan Democrats,” which one Democrat strategist now dubbed as “Trump Democrats.”

“This is a historic disaster of biblical proportions. The Democratic Party, as it is, is dead,” Democratic strategist Chris Kofinis told the Wall Street Journal. “This is a historic realignment. There were Reagan Democrats. Now there are Trump Democrats.

“The elites of this country alienated voters everywhere because they didn’t want to hear what working- and middle-class voters were screaming for four years – focus on us and our problems, not your agenda to destroy Trump.” 

According to exit polling data by CNN, Trump made significant inroads among Latino voters, black men, blue-collar workers without a college degree. He also made gains in every age group except those over the age of 65. 

In his call with NBC’s Welker, Trump noted the significance of Republicans controlling the Senate, in which the GOP will have 53 seats in 2025, marking a pick-up of four seats. 

Trump is also closely watching the outcome in the House to see if Republicans will control both chambers of Congress, as well as the White House. ​ 

In the elections for U.S. House of Representatives, there are a number of races still to be called, with the GOP needing victories in just 7 races to secure a majority. Republican candidates are leading in 11 of those races as of Friday morning. 

In addition to bolstering Trump’s legislative program, a majority in the House would also secure Trump from impeachment threats by Democrats that were a common theme of his first term.  

Welker also inquired about Susie Wiles, who was rumored to be tagged as chief of staff. ​  

Trump praised Wiles, calling her a strong contender for the position, but refused to commit to Welker who he’d name to the post.  

Hours later, however, Trump indeed named Wiles as the first-ever woman to lead the White House staff.  

He also spoke highly of Sen. Tom Cotton, who he said he was reluctant to take from the Senate, as his leadership there could be vital to passing Trump’s legislation.  

Trump is confident that voters will support his legislative program to bring common sense back to the country. 

“I started to see realignment could happen because the Democrats are not in line with the thinking of the country,” Trump told Welker. “You can’t have defund the police, these kind of things. …They don’t work, and the people understand that.” 

Photo: Trump visits the border Mar. 1, 2024 (YouTube screenshot)