In a recent interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, former President Donald Trump raised eyebrows with several statements that touched on sensitive political and constitutional issues.
Speaking from his Florida property, Mar-a-Lago, Trump answered questions about due process rights, immigration, the economy, and his political future.
Trump Uncertain About Due Process Rights
When asked whether all people in the U.S., including noncitizens, should receive due process rights under the Constitution, Trump gave an unexpected answer. “I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer,” he said. He added that his team of “brilliant lawyers” would follow whatever the Supreme Court says.
This came in the context of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man mistakenly deported from Maryland. The Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. must bring him back, but Trump insisted the man is a gang member and a threat.
“I was elected to get them [illegal immigrants] the hell out of here,” Trump said. “And the courts are stopping me from doing it.”
His vague response about constitutional protections has sparked strong reactions, especially since the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments clearly outline legal rights for all persons under U.S. law.
Talks of Canada Becoming the 51st State
Trump also commented on his repeated claims that Canada could become America’s 51st state. Though the idea has upset many Canadians, Trump said military action is “highly unlikely.”
He took a firmer tone when talking about Greenland, saying it’s important for U.S. national and international security. “Something could happen with Greenland,” he noted, without giving details. He did not rule out the possibility of using military action to acquire it from Denmark.
U.S. Economy in “Transition”
Addressing the economy, Trump said the country is going through a “transition period”, but he expects it to recover and grow rapidly. He dismissed warnings from economists and Wall Street analysts, some of whom have predicted a possible recession.
When asked about the recent 0.3% decline in GDP during the first quarter, Trump blamed former President Joe Biden. “The good parts are the Trump economy, the bad parts are the Biden economy,” he claimed.
On criticism that his tariffs might lead to supply shortages, Trump said Americans don’t need as many goods. “They don’t need 30 dolls. They can have three,” he said. “They don’t need 250 pencils. They can have five.”
Third Term? “Not Looking to Do It”
Trump has made multiple hints that he might run for a third term, which is against the U.S. Constitution. The 22nd Amendment clearly states that a president can only be elected twice.
While Trump admitted there is support for him to run again, he said, “This is not something I’m looking to do.” He added that he wants to serve a great term and then pass the leadership to another strong Republican.
Still, Trump’s campaign has been selling “Trump 2028” hats, and he previously told NBC, “I’m not joking. There are methods that you could do it.”
On His Team: Praise for Vance and Rubio
Trump praised Vice President J.D. Vance, calling him “fantastic and brilliant.” He also complimented Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is temporarily also handling the role of national security adviser.
When asked who might take over the presidency after him, Trump said it’s “too early” to discuss. However, he mentioned he could name 15 to 20 potential leaders from the Republican Party. “I can’t name one Democrat,” he added.
Defense Secretary Hegseth Will Stay
Despite controversy around Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was involved in private chats leaking sensitive information, Trump said Hegseth is “totally safe” in his job.
He also defended his decision to nominate Mike Waltz, the current national security adviser, to the U.N. ambassador role. Trump said this was not a punishment, even though Waltz mistakenly added a reporter to a sensitive Signal group chat.
Rubio will temporarily handle Waltz’s national security role, but Trump said someone else will eventually take over full-time. He even suggested some roles might not need two people, referencing how Henry Kissinger once held dual posts.
Not Stephen Miller
Trump ruled out Stephen Miller, his top policy adviser, for the U.N. job. “That would be a downgrade,” he said, suggesting that Miller is more valuable in his current role.
Summary
Trump’s latest interview reveals his current political mindset and shows that he remains a controversial figure.
From dodging questions on constitutional rights to making bold claims about foreign territory, his views continue to shape discussions as America watches what’s next in his political journey.
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