Trump’s Second Term at 100 Days: President Trump Unveils Future Vision in Spirited ABC Interview with Reporter Terry Moran

On May 1, 2025, ABC News anchor Terry Moran conducted an exclusive interview with President Donald J. Trump in the White House Oval Office. Moran is a national correspondent. Marking the 100th day of Trump’s second term, the office was adorned with portraits of Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, and James Monroe. Trump discussed the economy, immigration, border security, foreign policy, government efficiency, presidential authority, defense, public health, and international relations. This article presents the dialogue verbatim.

Trump outlined his policy goals. The exchange engages readers.

Trump introduced the Oval Office to begin the interview. He highlighted the Resolute Desk (the U.S. president’s desk). Trump said, “This desk, used by Ronald Reagan and FDR, is truly special,” adding, “I thought it was the most beautiful.” He chose it from seven options. Portraits of Reagan, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Washington, and Monroe hung on the walls. Trump said, “The Monroe Doctrine (U.S. policy excluding foreign influence) was his greatest achievement.” He pointed to the original Lincoln and Washington portraits and the Declaration of Independence. Trump said, “The Declaration represents unity, love, respect. It holds special meaning for our country.”

Trump said, “I’m meticulous. I like cleanliness. I want to maintain this space properly,” calling it “a gallery of presidents.” Moran retorted, “The office’s changes reflect feelings about the nation and presidency.” Trump replied, “I love the country.” He emphasized a distinctive patriotism. Moran referenced the Lincoln portrait, quoting “malice toward none,” implying Trump’s policies might carry ill intent. Trump said, “Lincoln was a great president. He endured much.” He highlighted Lincoln’s struggles.

Moran asked, “What did you feel entering the office after re-election?” Trump replied, “A sense of victory.” He underscored the significance of re-election. Moran asked, “At 100 days into your second term, what’s the greatest achievement?” Trump said, “Border security. The country was deteriorating. Prisons, asylums, gang members, murderers entered,” noting, “11,888 murderers crossed. Some killed multiple people.” Trump said, “The border is fully closed. We fixed the problem. Nations mocked us. We’re correcting it.” He prioritized border security.

Moran said, “The economy is a primary concern. It’s a key reason for your re-election.” He cited Moody’s (economic analysis agency) and analysts’ warnings. “The trade war with China costs households thousands. Some supporters disagreed.” Trump said, “They agreed. I promised it in the campaign,” adding, “America lost $3 billion to $5 billion daily, $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion annually.” He stressed the need for the trade war. Trump said, “In my first term, I imposed billions in tariffs on China,” adding, “There was no inflation.” Trump said, “Gasoline dropped to $1.98. Egg prices fell 87%,” noting, “Avian flu caused egg issues. Easter had enough eggs.” Trump said, “Biden’s inflation was the worst in history,” adding, “In 100 days, energy, grocery, gas prices declined.” He indicated that tariffs stabilized the economy.

Moran said, “Economists warn tariffs raise prices, contradicting your pledge to lower them.” Trump said, “In my first term, I imposed major tariffs on China,” adding, “Inflation was 1%.” Trump said, “Biden’s inflation was the worst in 48 years. It was worse.” He criticized Biden’s economic policies. Moran asked, “You said ‘hold on’ amid tariff challenges. Should we brace for tough times?” Trump said, “I said it in the campaign. I won seven swing states. I won the popular vote. Nations exploited us.” He indicated tariffs were central to economic recovery.

Moran asked, “Small businesses struggle with tariffs. Places like Etsy (online handmade marketplace). Beyond Apple, are there support measures?” Trump said, “Not just Apple. In two months, we secured $7 trillion to $8 trillion in investments,” adding, “Apple is investing $500 billion. Companies are flocking.” He indicated investments would boost the economy. Moran asked, “Is the response to tariff concerns ‘everything will be fine’?” Trump said, “Everything will be fine. It wouldn’t have happened without me,” adding, “Biden’s inflation was the worst. Grocery, energy, gas prices are dropping.” He emphasized the effectiveness of tariffs.

Moran said, “Illegal border crossings plummeted. The methods are controversial,” adding, “Deportees receive hearings.” Trump said, “A citizen story?” noting, “Biden let 21 million in through an open border. From Congo, the south, worldwide. Terrorists included.” Trump asked, “Did they get hearings when entering?” He criticized Biden’s immigration policies. Moran said, “The law requires hearings.” Trump said, “Ask the lawyers. If we must remove 21 million, we act fast,” adding, “Hearings are impossible.” He stressed the need for swift deportations. Moran said, “Not trials, hearings.” Trump said, “They entered illegally. They must go.” He maintained a strict immigration stance.

Moran said, “Over 200 Venezuelans were deported to El Salvador prisons. Many lack criminal records.” Trump said, “They are violent people.” He indicated deportees were dangerous. Moran quoted Joe Rogan (podcast host). “Sending gang members without due process is risky. Don’t become a monster fighting monsters.” Trump said, “I agree 100%. We’re cautious. The country is sick,” adding, “21 million entered. Many are criminals. Venezuela’s jails emptied. Crime rates dropped. Criminals live in America. We remove them.” He indicated Venezuela’s crime shifted to the U.S.

Moran raised the Kilmer Abrego Garcia case. This Salvadoran had a protective order. He was deported. The Supreme Court ordered re-entry. The government admitted error. Trump said, “His lawyer wasn’t our appointee,” adding, “Garcia is an MS-13 (Central American crime syndicate) member. He assaulted his wife. Not an innocent gentleman.” He indicated Garcia was dangerous. Moran said, “I’m not saying he’s good. It’s about the rule of law,” adding, “You could call El Salvador’s president to facilitate re-entry.” Trump said, “If he were a gentleman, I would have,” adding, “Garcia has MS-13 tattoos.” Moran said, “The tattoo is disputed. It could be photoshopped.” Trump said, “Fake news. The tattoo is clear.” He emphasized Garcia’s criminal allegations.

Moran said, “Your photo with President Zelenskyy at St. Peter’s Basilica drew attention.” Trump said, “It was a moment of solace,” adding, “Nearly 5,000 soldiers die weekly. America spends heavily on Ukraine. Europe must spend more.” Trump said, “It’s Biden’s war. It wouldn’t have happened under me,” adding, “Putin fired missiles at civilian areas. He seems unwilling to stop the war.” He indicated Putin might be deceiving him.

Moran asked, “Does Putin want peace?” Trump said, “I think so. He wanted all of Ukraine. He won’t because of me.” He emphasized his diplomatic role. Moran asked, “Do you trust him?” Trump said, “I trust few people. He respects me. He won’t take all of Ukraine because of me,” adding, “The war started due to incompetent people.” He criticized Biden’s foreign policy. Moran asked, “If peace talks fail, will you cut military aid?” Trump said, “That’s confidential. I don’t want to ruin negotiations,” adding, “Putin’s missile strikes were inappropriate.” He left remarks suggesting doubt about Putin’s intentions.

Moran said, “Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has caused Pentagon turmoil.” Hegseth’s wife joined a Signal (encrypted messaging app) chat discussing Yemen strikes. Another chat included a journalist. Moran asked, “Did you reprimand him?” Trump said, “I spoke with him. I won’t share details. It was a good talk,” adding, “Hegseth is talented, young, smart. He’ll be a great defense secretary.” He expressed confidence in Hegseth. Moran asked, “Are you 100% certain of Hegseth?” Trump said, “Nothing is 100% certain. Anyone claiming that lies.” He avoided absolute certainty.

Moran referenced Operation Warp Speed (COVID vaccine development project). “The vaccine’s development and distribution saved lives,” adding, “Texas saw its worst measles outbreak in a decade. Children were unvaccinated.” Moran asked, “Do you urge parents to vaccinate?” Trump said, “Governors decide. Texas’ governor is capable. He’ll decide quickly,” adding, “Measles has existed forever. It’s a federalist decision.” He emphasized governors’ authority. Moran asked, “Your voice matters. Can’t you urge vaccination?” Trump said, “I urge it.” Moran asked, “Does vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urge measles vaccination?” Trump said, “He urged it.” He confirmed Kennedy’s stance.

Moran said, “I’ll ask about presidential authority.” He noted security clearance revocations, security removals for those under death threats, and law firm pressures. Trump said, “They paid me a lot.” Moran said, “You threatened law firms’ businesses with executive orders.” Trump said, “They’re powerful lawyers. They paid hundreds of millions. They felt they were wrong,” adding, “Fifteen major firms. They signed my documents.” He highlighted negotiations with law firms. Moran said, “Firms paid to survive.”

Moran asked, “Do you use presidential authority for personal vendettas?” Trump said, “I’m the most persecuted president in history. Dishonest people persecuted me,” adding, “I don’t act harshly.” Trump said, “I won seven swing states, the popular vote, 2,750 districts.” He emphasized his electoral success. Moran asked, “Does this give you the right to attack political opponents?” Trump said, “Biden is incompetent. He’s unqualified for classified access,” adding, “Biden signed documents with an autopen (automatic signing device). The autopen wielder was the real president.” He pointed to Biden’s incompetence. Moran asked, “What justifies targeting those you dislike?” Trump said, “They’re dishonest. I don’t even know them. They’re unqualified for classified access.” He indicated his authority use was justified.

Moran said, “You spoke with Canada’s new prime minister.” He noted, “Your ‘51st state’ remark angered Canadians. U.S. travel declined.” Trump said, “The economy is strong. Prices, gas, energy are falling. Tourism will rise,” adding, “Numbers in six months will prove it.” He emphasized economic recovery. Moran asked, “Has America’s reputation declined?” Trump said, “Our reputation soared. We’re respected,” adding, “Biden was incompetent.” He indicated he restored global standing.

Moran asked, “There are authoritarianism concerns. Are you amassing too much power?” Trump said, “I regret anyone thinking that. I’m making America great,” adding, “Biden was incompetent. The 2020 election was rigged. The country is recovering.” He indicated his leadership was essential. Trump’s ABC News interview illuminated his second term’s priorities. Conducted in the Oval Office, this dialogue clarified his vision. Debates on border security, the economy, immigration, foreign policy, and authority revealed his leadership approach. Readers gain insight into Trump’s agenda.