While doubling down on his campaign stance of deporting illegal migrants, US President-elect Donald Trump says he wants immigrants to come in legally.
"We obviously have to make the border strong and powerful and, and we have to -- at the same time, we want people to come into our country," he said in an interview with NBC, his first since his election to a second term.
"I'm not somebody that says, 'No, you can't come in.' We want people to come in," he said.
When the interviewers asked him about the cost of mass deportation of illegal migrants, he said, "It's not a question of a price tag."
"When people have killed and murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries, … there is no price tag" for deportations, he added.
Trump said in his interview with two journalists from the network that his mandate is to bring "to bring common sense" to the country.
"You can't have defund the police, these kind of things. They don't want to give up and they don't work, and the people understand that," he added.
He said that "the Democrats are not in line with the thinking of the country" resulting in a political realignment with him making gains among Latinos, Asian Americans, women, and young voters compared to 2020.
Surveys bear out the claim and also show gains among Blacks.
He described his calls with President Joe Biden and Harris as "very nice calls, very respectful both ways," and said he expected to have lunch with Biden.
Trump said that he has spoken to 70 world leaders, including Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, but not to Russia's President Vladimir Putin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among the leaders he has spoken to.
PM Modi said in a post on X, "Had a great conversation with my friend, President @realDonaldTrump congratulating him on his spectacular victory. Looking forward to working closely together once again to further strengthen India-US relations across technology, defence, energy, space, and several other sectors."
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.