PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump made headlines during his first post-election press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago club. The event saw Trump cover various topics, from his commitment to the polio vaccine to controversial comments about pardoning New York Mayor Eric Adams, who is facing legal troubles.
During the press conference, Trump declared, "You’re not going to lose the polio vaccine," reinforcing his position as he prepares for his return to the presidency. He expressed support for maintaining vaccine access, distancing himself from the vaccine hesitancy rhetoric often associated with his incoming Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Trump was quick to respond to inquiries about his plans involving the southern border wall, criticizing the Biden administration. He stated, "I’m asking today, Joe Biden, to please stop selling the wall," as he vowed to take legal action against the administration for its handling of unused wall materials.
The president-elect's comments reflect his concerns over border security and the financial irresponsibility he perceives in the Biden administration's actions. "We’re going to spend hundreds of millions of dollars more on building the same wall we already have. It’s almost a criminal act," he stated, making it clear he believes Congress’s legislation manding the sale of excess wall materials should not be pursued.
Though Trump's tone was measured and less combative than previous encounters with the press, he infused humor throughout the session. "Everybody wants to be my friend," he said, contrasting his current political tenor with the hostility he felt during his last presidency.
Among the most surprising moments was Trump’s willingness to discuss potential clemency for beleaguered Mayor Adams, who faces serious fraud and corruption charges. "Yeah I would," responded Trump when asked about pardoning Adams, mentioning he felt the mayor was treated unfairly, albeit he admitted to not knowing the specifics of the case. Adams has pledged to clear his name, emphasizing his commitment to justice.
Trump faced multiple questions about vaccines, particularly amid concerns over Kennedy's well-documented skepticism of vaccination. When pressed on the vaccine-autism debate, Trump asserted, "There’s something wrong, and we’re going to find out about it," hinting at his belief there are still unanswered questions surrounding vaccines. This echoes sentiments voiced by significant figures, including Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who advocates for the polio vaccine and has warned against discrediting it.
On pharmaceutical costs, Trump talked about discussions held at recent private dinners with major drug executives, expressing dissatisfaction with current prices. „What came out of this meeting is we’re paying far too much,” he reflected, condemning “horrible middlemen” he believes contribute to inflated costs of medications.
By making bold statements and recommendations concerning healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry, Trump has signaled where he intends to focus his administration's policies. He noted his prior dealings with industry leaders and acknowledged both the challenges and opportunities surrounding healthcare reform.
A notable divergence between Trump's press style and President Biden’s emerged during the meeting, with Trump showcasing his willingness to engage directly with reporters, something Biden has faced criticism for avoiding. The press conference underscored Trump’s emergence as the dominant voice post-election, showcasing his ability to shape conversational narratives early on.
Lastly, using the platform, Trump briefly touched on international relations and foreign policy. He weighed the possibilities of U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria, answering questions about escalations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine. "It’s a tough one. It’s nasty. People are being killed at levels nobody’s ever seen," he said, voicing concerns about the protracted conflict.
Trump concluded his conference optimistic about the future, promising to cut through regulatory red tape and empower investments as shown during meetings with major tech executives and venture capitalists. With statements hinting at decisive shifts within his administration, he continues to assert his influence as the upcoming president.
While many of his remarks reignite his pattern of bold statements, they also showcase his approach to governance as aiming to blend populist sentiment with distinct policy agendas. Trump’s interactions with the media and public mark the beginning of what could be another transformative presidential term.
