President-elect Donald Trump stated in an NBC News interview on Thursday that a top priority when he takes office in January will be to make the U.S. border “strong and powerful.”
Addressing his campaign pledge for mass deportations, Trump emphasized that his administration would be compelled to follow through.
Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, called his victory a mandate to bring “common sense” to America. He remarked, “We need a strong border, but we also want people coming into our country. I’m not saying, ‘No, you can’t come in.’ We welcome people.”
During his campaign, Trump promised a large-scale deportation effort, the “largest in American history.” When asked about its costs, he responded that there’s “no price tag” for security, especially against violent criminals and drug traffickers who he says must be removed from the U.S.
Acting ICE Director Patrick J. Lechleitner commented in July that such an effort would face logistical and financial challenges. Former Trump administration officials added that it would also need support from multiple federal agencies, including the Justice Department and Pentagon.
Trump’s victory showed historic support from Latino voters, a group Democrats targeted by highlighting Trump’s rhetoric on immigration and a pro-Trump comedian’s offensive joke about Puerto Rico. Trump attributed part of his win to his immigration stance, saying, “They want borders and legal entry by people who love the country.”
He also noted his success with a diverse coalition, including gains among Latino, young, women, and Asian American voters. Trump commented on a “realignment” he observed, stating, “Democrats are out of touch with the country’s values. Defunding the police and similar ideas don’t work, and people see that.”
Trump also shared that he had spoken with Vice President Harris and President Joe Biden since the election.
