Trump Talks Due Process, TikTok, and Canada in NBC Interview/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In a sweeping new interview, President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about supporting due process for citizens and noncitizens alike, saying “I don’t know.” He also addressed his controversial ambitions involving Canada and Greenland, denied profiting from the presidency, and discussed TikTok, his cryptocurrency ventures, and his potential successors. The interview aired as his second term surpasses the 100-day mark.
Trump’s NBC Interview: Quick Looks
- Uncertainty on Due Process: Trump refused to confirm if due process should apply to all individuals in the U.S.
- Canada as 51st State: He called military action “unlikely,” but didn’t walk back annexation rhetoric.
- Greenland Ambitions Continue: Trump said seizing Greenland remains on the table for national security.
- Recession Denial: Despite a Q1 economic dip, Trump insists the U.S. is entering a “fantastic” phase.
- Third Term Tease: Trump claims support exists but says he isn’t actively pursuing a third term.
- Praise for Vance and Rubio: Calls VP JD Vance “brilliant,” hints at strong GOP bench.
- Hegseth Safe at Pentagon: Trump stands by his defense secretary amid security leak concerns.
- No Profit from Presidency: Trump vows to donate his salary and dismisses criticism over business ventures.
- TikTok Deal Extension Possible: Trump hints he may extend the deadline to finalize a U.S.-based acquisition.
Trump Talks Due Process, TikTok, and Canada in NBC Interview
Deep Look
In a contentious and wide-ranging NBC interview aired Sunday, President Donald Trump raised eyebrows by casting doubt on one of the most fundamental rights in American democracy: due process. When pressed by journalist Kristen Welker on whether both citizens and noncitizens are entitled to due process under the Fifth Amendment, Trump responded, “I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer.”
This ambiguity adds fuel to ongoing debates about Trump’s aggressive immigration agenda, particularly the controversial deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man removed from the U.S. in defiance of a Supreme Court ruling. Trump has defended the move, describing Garcia as a violent gang member, despite ongoing legal orders requiring his return to the U.S.
Trump accused courts of obstructing his immigration policies: “I was elected to get them the hell out of here, and the courts are holding me from doing it.” He also insisted his legal team would comply with judicial rulings but doubled down on his efforts to speed up deportations, raising concerns among civil rights advocates.
The president’s remarks come as his second term crosses its 100-day mark, a milestone clouded by polling that shows increasing public skepticism of his sweeping executive actions. Still, Trump showed no signs of retreating. From annexation talk to trade wars, he remains committed to the high-drama style that has defined his presidency.
On foreign policy, Trump insisted he doesn’t expect the U.S. to use military force to make Canada the “51st state” — a phrase he has invoked repeatedly in recent speeches. “Highly unlikely,” he said, while still defending his rhetoric. However, he offered no such assurances when it came to Greenland. “Something could happen,” he said, calling the island strategically necessary.
The president’s economic optimism contrasted with recent economic data showing a 0.3% contraction in the U.S. economy for Q1 2025. Trump brushed off forecasts of a potential recession, asserting that “some people” on Wall Street believe the country is headed for an economic boom. He blamed any negative figures on residual effects from Joe Biden’s presidency, declaring the downturn part of the “Biden economy.”
In the interview, Trump also addressed rumors about his interest in pursuing a third term, despite constitutional limits.
“I’m not looking to do it,” he said, although he noted that “a lot of people” want him to stay in power beyond 2028. His campaign has leaned into this idea, even selling “Trump 2028” merchandise.
The president lauded Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as top-tier Republican leaders but emphasized that it’s too early to talk succession.
“We have a tremendous party,” Trump said. “And you know what I can’t name? I can’t name one Democrat.”
On the matter of national security, Trump defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid backlash over leaked communications. “No. Not even a little bit,” Trump said when asked if Hegseth’s job was at risk. He confirmed his decision to nominate National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to the U.N. was unrelated to the incident and temporarily appointed Rubio to cover both roles, adding, “Henry Kissinger did both.”
Asked about his finances, Trump denied profiting from the presidency. He said his ventures in cryptocurrency and branded merchandise predate his time in office. “Being president probably cost me money,” he claimed. Trump launched his own meme coin earlier this year and continues to promote business ventures including Truth Social and Trump-branded consumer goods. He reaffirmed he plans to donate his presidential salary, a practice he said only George Washington may have also followed.
The interview also touched on TikTok, the popular video app with a turbulent relationship to U.S. politics. Trump said he’s open to extending the current 75-day deadline to allow a U.S.-based consortium to finalize its acquisition. Talks have reportedly stalled due to his tariffs on China, but Trump claimed the deal is still on the table:
“We actually have a deal… It’s going to be very good.”
Ultimately, the interview underscored Trump’s continued embrace of unilateral executive action, a distrust of traditional institutions, and an unrelenting effort to reshape U.S. governance — even at the risk of constitutional friction.
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