[US Election 2024]
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, on the 7th (local time) named 'strengthening the border' as his top priority after taking office, stating that there is no other option but to carry out a large-scale deportation of illegal immigrants. He also credited this tough immigration policy as a key reason for his victory in the November 5 election. He promised a peaceful transfer of power and said he plans to have lunch with current President Joe Biden soon.
In a phone interview with NBC on the same day, Trump said, "We must make the border strong and secure." He added, "At the same time, we want people to come into our country," and clarified, "As you know, I am not someone who says 'No, you cannot come in.'" He explained that legal immigration, not illegal immigration, will be accepted.
During his campaign this year, Trump pledged to carry out the "largest deportation of illegal immigrants in U.S. history," and reiterated his commitment by saying, "There is no other choice." When asked about the costs involved in implementing this pledge, he dismissed the concern by saying, "It's not a matter of price tag." He emphasized that illegal entrants commit murder and crimes, and drug dealers are destroying the country, stating, "Now they will not stay here but return to their homeland."
NBC reported that although the exact number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. is unclear, implementing such a large-scale deportation pledge would inevitably involve significant logistical and financial burdens. This would require cooperation among multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense.
Trump said that this tough immigration message was one of the reasons for his election victory, stating, "They (voters) want a border. They like people coming in, but they must come in with love for the country. They must come in legally."
Additionally, Trump noted that compared to the 2020 election, he gained increased support this year from Latino, Asian, young, and female voters. He assessed, "I began to think that a shift in the voter landscape could happen because the Democratic Party does not align with the thinking of this country." He also criticized calls to cut police budgets, saying, "Things like police budgets should not have been cut. They don't want to give up. It doesn't work. People know this." This was a critique of the progressive camp, including Democrats, who had advocated for police budget cuts following the death of a suspect due to excessive police force.
After confirming his election victory, Trump said he spoke with President Biden and Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, describing the conversations as "very good and mutually respectful." He said Harris expressed a desire for as smooth a transfer of power as possible, and he agreed. He also explained that he plans to have lunch with President Biden soon. In a national address at the White House that day, President Biden promised a peaceful and orderly transfer of power, saying, "If the American people choose, we accept that choice."
Furthermore, Trump mentioned that since the morning of the previous day, he had spoken with about 70 leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also said he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky but did not disclose details. Regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said they have not yet spoken but he expects to do so. On the same day, President Putin congratulated Trump on his election victory and said he was ready to talk. During his campaign, Trump emphasized 'peace through strength' and had stated he would end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office.
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