In an exclusive interview with ABC News anchor Terry Moran, former President Donald Trump. He spoke eloquently about what he considered the best accomplishments of his administration, with a particular emphasis on border policy. In fact, he’s pointed to these policies as some of his proudest accomplishments during the first 100 days of his presidency. He had the brass to say that illegal border crossings are down by “99.9%.” Critics are rightfully scratching their heads and wondering how this unanticipated claim could possibly be true.
Throughout the interview, Trump expressed his anger at the press. He claimed that most Americans just don’t trust the news anymore because they believe these outlets are out there providing “fake news”. He attributed this distrust to what he called a “disservice” from the media. Instead, they provide cover for him and often undermine or downplay the reporting on his administration’s actions and policies.
To be sure, Trump selected Moran for the interview because Trump said he had “never heard of” him. This decision was a clear signal of his intent to reach reporters and readers outside the traditional, Beltway media establishment. This decision is in line with Trump’s recent tactic of going to the audiences he thinks will be most receptive to his pitch.
Indeed, Trump thinks that Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants peace.” He very famously said that on foreign policy discussions with Putin, that Putin “respects” him. This assertion has sparked all kinds of concerns for the former president’s approach to foreign diplomacy — especially at a time when tensions are still high with Ukraine.
Case in point, the topic quickly shifted to immigration policies as Trump recounted a specific case to tell his story. He raised the case of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran man deported despite having a protective court order barring removal. Trump stated, “I’m not the one making this decision. We have lawyers that don’t want to do this,” distancing himself from the legal complexities surrounding García’s deportation.
Responding to a question about deportation standards, Trump maintained that those who enter the United States illegally face different consequences compared to others. “If people come into our country illegally, there’s a different standard,” he asserted, defending his administration’s strict immigration enforcement.
On military aid to Ukraine, Trump refused to say if his administration would continue military support should peace negotiations fail. His hesitance to give a clear response has come under intense criticism from Democratic and Republican political pundits alike.
On the economy, Trump boasted, then defended his administration’s economic policies. He made a special point to discuss the tariffs on China that have reached over 145% on certain products. He dismissed concerns that these tariffs could lead to increased prices for American consumers, stating, “You don’t know whether or not China’s gonna eat it.” This comment gives a glimpse into his thinking that the tariffs will not have the negative impact on American consumers that many analysts are forecasting.
He defended his use of presidential powers during his tenure, claiming he had been “persecuted like no other president.” This statement underscores Trump’s ongoing narrative of victimhood in the face of legal challenges and media scrutiny.
In a moment reflecting his combative relationship with the press, Trump told Moran, “You do such a disservice… This is why people no longer believe the news, because it’s fake news.” Justice’s animus towards journalists has been bottomless, perhaps the most singular constant of his political career.
From the outset of the interview, Trump took a combative stance, demanding that Moran rephrase tricky questions and give him yes or no answers. At one point, he suggested, “Why don’t you just say, ‘Yes, he does’ and, you know, go on to something else,” highlighting his desire for more favorable coverage.