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In his first press conference since winning re-election, President-elect Donald Trump spoke Monday at his Mar-a-Lago club, addressing a wide range of topics, from the southern border wall and vaccines to the legal troubles of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Trump also weighed in on mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey and suggested legal action on several fronts.
The event, notable for its more relaxed tone compared to Trump’s combative campaign exchanges, saw the president-elect test new policy ideas and target key issues as he prepares to return to office.
Border Wall and Legal Threats
Trump’s strongest remarks came in response to reports of the Biden administration selling unused southern border wall materials, a move mandated by Congress in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act. Calling the sales “almost a criminal act,” Trump promised swift action.
“I’m asking today, Joe Biden, to please stop selling the wall,” he said. Trump added that he had spoken with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton about pursuing a restraining order.
The Department of Defense, however, later clarified that all unused border materials had already been distributed or auctioned, in compliance with federal legislation.
Potential Pardon for Mayor Eric Adams
Trump raised eyebrows when he suggested he would consider pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who faces federal corruption and fraud charges.
“Yeah, I would,” Trump said when asked, adding, “I think that he was treated pretty unfairly,” though he admitted he did not know all the facts. Adams, accused of accepting luxury perks and illegal campaign contributions, has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.
Vaccines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The president-elect reassured the public about the future of vaccines amid concerns about his decision to appoint anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
“You’re not going to lose the polio vaccine,” Trump stated firmly. “That’s not going to happen.”
The comments followed Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s warning last week that undermining vaccine programs would be “not just uninformed, but dangerous.” Trump avoided addressing Kennedy’s controversial stance on vaccines causing autism, saying only that Kennedy would “examine the issue.”
Drone Sightings and National Security
Trump also weighed in on the recent surge of drone sightings in New Jersey and the eastern U.S., taking a conspiratorial tone. “The government knows what is happening,” he claimed, offering no evidence.
White House spokesman John Kirby later clarified that the drones posed no public safety risk, attributing the sightings to commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones as well as misidentified stars.
Outreach and Investments
Trump touted his efforts to build relationships with world leaders and CEOs, contrasting this transition with his first in 2016. He highlighted a recent meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook and announced SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son’s pledge to invest $100 billion in U.S. projects.
Trump’s transition has been marked by attempts to strike deals and promote his agenda. In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump promised “fully expedited approvals and permits” for investments exceeding $1 billion, including environmental clearances.
*“There’s a light shining over the world,” he declared optimistically on Monday.
With weeks remaining before his official return to the Oval Office, Trump’s press conference underscored his intent to dominate the political narrative and prepare for policy battles ahead.
