By Emmanuel Bobby
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he hopes to expand his immigration crackdown to five additional cities, previewing a broader and more permanent federal enforcement footprint across the country.
“We have five cities that we’re looking at very strongly, but we want to be invited,” Trump said in an exclusive interview, signaling reluctance to deploy agents in jurisdictions where local officials are openly resistant, as he has encountered in Minnesota. He declined to identify the cities.
Trump said recent events in Minneapolis — where federal agents shot and killed two American citizens last month — prompted him to reconsider the tone of future operations.
“I learned that maybe we can use a little bit of a softer touch, but you still have to be tough,” Trump said. “We’re dealing with really hard criminals.”
The nearly hourlong Oval Office interview ranged widely, touching on the economy, artificial intelligence, Iran, elections, the Federal Reserve, potential successors and even plans for a massive monument outside Washington, D.C. Trump also declined to rule out remaining president beyond the end of his current term.
Throughout the sit-down, Trump appeared relaxed, at times showing off historical portraits in the Oval Office and a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Portions of the interview are set to air during the Super Bowl broadcast Sunday.
Immigration and Minneapolis fallout
Trump said he was “not happy” with two recent shootings involving federal agents that killed Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in January. While he described both victims as “not angels,” he called the incidents “very sad” and said ICE agents were deeply affected.
“I think they were both sad,” Trump said. “And you know who feels worse about it than anybody? The people of ICE.”
The president has faced mounting tension within his own party over immigration enforcement, as his political base presses for mass deportations while more moderate Republicans emphasize targeting violent offenders. As arrest quotas increased, the share of detainees with criminal records declined, prompting lawsuits and court rulings restricting federal agents’ actions in major cities.
Still, Trump insisted the focus remains on serious criminals.
“We are totally focused on criminals — really bad criminals,” he said. “I’m talking about murderers from different countries.”
The economy and inflation
Trump again defended his economic record, rejecting criticism that he has failed to tame inflation. He blamed rising prices on his predecessor and pointed to tariff revenue and foreign investment during his second term.
“I inherited the worst inflation in the history of our country,” Trump said. “It was through the roof.”
He said he expects prices to stabilize and downplayed concerns about renewed inflation.
Rebate checks and the Federal Reserve
Pressed on his proposal for $2,000 tariff rebate checks, Trump stopped short of a commitment, noting the plan would require congressional approval.
“I’m looking at it very seriously,” he said. “I haven’t made the commitment yet.”
Trump also renewed criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell for resisting faster interest-rate cuts and questioned the central bank’s independence.
“In theory, it’s an independent body,” Trump said. “But I’m a smart guy. I know the economy better than almost everybody.”
Artificial intelligence
Trump expressed strong confidence in artificial intelligence, dismissing concerns that it will eliminate jobs.
“It’ll be the greatest jobs producer, the greatest military producer, the greatest medical producer,” he said. “There’ll be tremendous good — and probably some bad, too.”
He acknowledged he has not personally used AI platforms such as ChatGPT or Claude but insisted he understands the technology well.
Iran and military threats
Trump left open the possibility of further military action against Iran, warning that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be “very worried.”
Asked whether Iran is attempting to restart its nuclear program, Trump said, “Well, I heard that they are,” adding that U.S. bombers would return if necessary.
Elections and voter fraud claims
Trump sought to walk back his recent remarks about “nationalizing” elections, saying he was referring only to what he described as corruption in specific cities — Atlanta, Philadelphia and Detroit.
“I didn’t say ‘national,’” Trump said. “I said there are some areas in our country that are extremely corrupt.”
He accused Democrats of opposing voter ID laws because “they want to cheat,” repeating claims that have been rejected by courts and election officials.
When asked about conspiracy theories he has amplified online, including claims about foreign interference in 2020, Trump said he does not believe them but sometimes reshared them.
“I sometimes will… retruth,” he said.
Successors and a third term
Trump praised both Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors, calling each “fantastic” and suggesting a combined ticket would be formidable.
Pressed on whether he could envision remaining president beyond Jan. 21, 2029, Trump declined to give a direct answer.
“It would be interesting,” he said, adding that ambiguity keeps things “exciting.”
Lawsuits and charity
Trump said any money he wins from civil lawsuits against the federal government — including a $10 billion suit tied to leaked tax returns — would be donated entirely to charity.
“I don’t want any of it,” he said.
A monumental legacy
Trump also outlined plans to build a massive arch at the gateway to Washington, D.C., larger than Paris’ Arc de Triomphe.
“We need glamour brought back to our country,” he said. “We need prestige. We need beauty.”
The arch, Trump said, would be “more magnificent and larger” than its French counterpart — another symbol, he suggested, of restoring American grandeur.
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