Donald Trump said Thursday that there “is no price tag” for his proposed mass deportation plan, NBC News’ Kristen Welker reported.
“You have no choice,” Welker recalled the president-elect saying. Trump has repeatedly said his plan would be the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, targeting an estimated 11 million people. Welker pressed Trump for details during a phone call, but he did not offer specifics on the cost or methodology of his plan.
“He really highlighted the need to make the border safe and secure,” Welker said.
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Trump sounded “bullish” following his decisive victory, with the White House and Senate flipping to Republican control, according to Welker: “It’s clear that he believes there is a mandate.”
Trump told the NBC News host he has spoken to 70 world leaders so far, including Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump previously said that he wants to end the war in Ukraine in his first 24 hours as president—though it’s unclear how that would happen without Ukraine ceding territory to Russia. He has not yet spoken to Russian president Vladimir Putin, but expects to do so soon.
Trump also spoke about his calls with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, which he described as “friendly” and “respectful.” Trump said that Harris emphasized a need for a peaceful transition of power during their call. “And I agree with that 100 percent,” Trump said.
Welker also reported that Trump plans to get lunch with Biden.
Trump also discussed his possible chief of staff. One name in the mix is Trump’s campaign co-chair Susie Wiles. “She would certainly be a contender, she’s great,” he said.
They also touched on the possibility of Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton having a leadership role in Trump’s Administration. “He’s a very important senator, and I hate to take people out of the Senate,” Trump told Welker.
