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In an exclusive Oval Office interview with ABC News, President Donald Trump offered a robust defense of his first 100 days back in office, highlighting economic relief, border control efforts, and executive assertiveness while lashing out at his predecessor Joe Biden and acknowledging complicated diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sitting down with ABC anchor Terry Moran, Trump addressed mounting concerns about the cost of living, immigration enforcement, international relations, and his aggressive use of presidential powers. He also lavished praise on key allies like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk, who now leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
‘They Did Sign Up for It’: Trump on Tariffs and Prices
Trump brushed aside voter concerns about tariffs increasing consumer costs, saying his policies were core to his campaign.
“They did sign up for it,” Trump told Moran. “I said that we’ve been abused by other countries… We have to fix it.”
He took credit for reducing the price of groceries, including eggs, which became symbolic during the 2024 campaign.
“Eggs are down 87% since I got involved,” Trump claimed.
Immigration: ‘They Seem to Work’
On immigration, Trump defended his hardline policies despite criticism over deportations without due process.
“They seem to work,” he said of border enforcement methods.
“If people come into our country illegally, there’s a different standard.”
Referencing comments by podcaster Joe Rogan urging due process even for undocumented immigrants, Trump agreed but insisted his administration was acting carefully.
Executive Power: Trump Says He’s ‘Making America Great Again’
Asked if he was becoming authoritarian, Trump denied the charge but justified his assertive use of presidential powers.
“I would hate them to think that,” he said. “I’m doing one thing: I’m makin’ America great again.”
He insisted the country was “laughed at” before his return to office and suggested his leadership is necessary for recovery.
On Ukraine and Putin: ‘He Could Be Tapping Me Along’
Trump acknowledged the possibility that Putin is stalling peace efforts in Ukraine to manipulate him, stating:
“Yeah, that’s possible. Sure. He could be tapping me along.”
Still, he blamed Biden for the war’s eruption and claimed his presence in the White House would have prevented it.
DOGE and Elon Musk: Trump Touts Fraud Crackdown
Trump defended the controversial Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk, against criticism that it had gone “too far, too fast.”
“No,” Trump said. “DOGE had saved the country billions.”
He confirmed DOGE had referred fraud cases to the Department of Justice, although specifics remain unclear.
Political Revenge? Trump Blames Biden, Defends Actions
Moran pressed Trump on accusations of stripping opponents of security details and targeting law firms, asking if the president is using his office for revenge.
“No… There has never been a president in this country that was persecuted like I was,” Trump said.
He admitted to taking action against Biden but framed it as justified retaliation.
U.S. Reputation Abroad: ‘We’re Doing Great’
Trump downplayed diplomatic strains with Canada following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s re-election.
“That’s their prerogative,” Trump said of Carney’s criticisms.
Asked if America’s global standing had diminished, Trump rejected the idea:
“I think it’s gone way up… we’re a respected country again.”
Trump’s wide-ranging remarks paint a picture of a president unapologetically pushing a bold domestic and foreign policy agenda, while brushing off accusations of overreach and retaliation.
