President Donald Trump sharply criticized the economic and immigration policies of the previous administration while highlighting what he described as major wins on investment, border security, and drug interdiction during a wide-ranging interview with Politico as his second term nears its one-year mark.
Trump said the Biden administration left behind “a total mess,” blaming Democrats for high prices and pointing to declining energy costs as evidence that affordability is improving under his leadership.
“The Democrats love to say, ‘Affordability, affordability,’ but then they never talk about it. They’re the ones that gave us the high prices. I’m the one that’s bringing them down,” he said.
Trump Cites $18 Trillion Investment Boom
Trump said the country is experiencing an unprecedented surge of economic activity.
“We have $18 trillion being invested. Car companies are moving back that left us years ago. AI is coming in at levels never seen before. Factories are opening up all over the country… Ultimately, you know what it reduces itself to? Jobs.”
Border Crossings and Maritime Drug Smuggling
Trump claimed illegal border crossings have collapsed under his policies after what he described as chaos during the Biden years.
“Two years ago, a year ago, under Biden, this country was out of control… And now, we have nobody coming in.”
He also said maritime drug trafficking has sharply declined.
“We save 25,000 people every time we knock out a boat… The drugs coming in through the sea — they’re down by 92 percent.”
Healthcare: Trump Proposes Direct-to-People Model
Trump reiterated his goal of removing insurance companies from the center of the healthcare system.
“Obamacare was set up for insurance companies to become rich… I want to pay the money directly to the people and let the people get their own healthcare.”
He accused Democrats of protecting insurers due to what he described as deep political entanglements.
Foreign Policy: America First and Pressure on Zelensky
The president emphasized that his foreign policy is singularly focused on American interests.
“When I go on a trip, I only have one place in mind — it’s the United States.”
On Ukraine, Trump said President Volodymyr Zelensky needs to adjust his approach.
“[Zelensky] is going have to get on the ball and start accepting things… because they’re losing.”
He added that he wants a strong Europe but does not maintain a separate strategic vision beyond U.S. priorities.
Birthright Citizenship and Congressional Critics
Trump defended his renewed challenge to birthright citizenship.
“[Birthright citizenship] was meant for the babies of slaves… That case was not meant for some rich person coming from another country, putting a foot in our country, and all of a sudden their whole family becomes United States citizens.”
He also issued sharp criticism of Somali-American elected officials.
Reflections on Past Investigations
Trump said prior investigations into his conduct demonstrated how politicized government institutions had become.
“They weaponized the government… They indicted me. I came out good — here we are in the White House.”
