Trump Defends Tariffs and Military Plans in NBC Interview

PALM BEACH, Fla. — In a phone interview with NBC News on Saturday, President Donald Trump stated he would not dismiss anyone involved in a Signal group chat that discussed military operations, describing the ongoing scrutiny as a “witch hunt.” Trump’s remarks came amid concerns about his recent tariffs on foreign automobiles and the prospect of annexing Greenland.

During the over 10-minute call, Trump expressed indifference toward rising car prices resulting from newly announced tariffs, claiming, “I couldn’t care less” about the potential impact on consumers. Instead, he highlighted the profitability for U.S.-based automobile production. “The message is congratulations; if you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money,” he said.

He reiterated this point after being pressed if he communicated with automotive CEOs regarding price increases. “No, I never said that. I couldn’t care less if they raise prices,” Trump asserted, adding that consumers would turn to American-made cars if costs for foreign vehicles rose. An aide later confirmed Trump was specifically referencing foreign car prices, not domestic.

The President’s firm stance on tariffs comes just before a planned implementation date of April 2, which will see taxes on numerous consumer goods, a move that has drawn backlash from international leaders. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have called the tariffs “unjustified,” with Carney stating, “the old relationship we had with the United States based on deepening integration of our economies is over.”

Trump remained unswayed, declaring the tariffs would be “permanent,” and emphasized his administration’s intention to hold foreign nations accountable for what he termed long-standing trade inequities. “Absolutely, they’re permanent, sure. The world has been ripping off the United States for the last 40 years and more. And all we’re doing is being fair,” he said.

The discussion also veered into Trump’s controversial interest in Greenland, where he confirmed, “We’ll get Greenland. Yeah, 100%.” He suggested that negotiations could occur without using military force, but insisted that all options remained on the table. Previously, Trump voiced his desire to purchase Greenland, a proposal met with skepticism from Denmark.

When questioned about the implications of acquiring Greenland on relations with Russia and China, Trump replied, “I don’t really think about that. I don’t really care.” He asserted that the issue pertains to international security, given the geopolitical interests surrounding the territory.

As for the conversation that surfaced regarding the military’s operational plans within the Signal chat, Trump indicated he had confidence in national security adviser and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who participated in the discussions. “It’s just a witch hunt and the fake news, like you, talk about it all the time,” Trump remarked, aimed at critics of his administration.

This interview highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding Trump’s policies, which critics argue contribute to instability in markets and erode consumer confidence. However, Trump cited polling data suggesting that more Americans believe the country is on the right track than in recent decades.

The repercussions of Trump’s comments and policies on both domestic and international fronts remain to be seen as his administration moves forward with its aggressive trade strategies.