Welker grills Trump about plans to investigate rivals
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In a recent “Meet the Press” interview, host Kristen Welker repeatedly questioned President-elect Donald Trump about potential plans to target political opponents through his newly nominated officials.
The discussion centered around Trump’s nominations of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for attorney general and former administration official Kash Patel for FBI director. Welker particularly focused on Patel’s book, which identifies 60 individuals as “deep state” members, including prominent Democrats and former Trump cabinet members.
Full interview from today between President Trump and Kristen Welker of Meet The Press.
Topics discussed include:
* Day One objectives
* Tariffs
* Fed Chair Jerome Powell
* Immigration and the border
* Dreamers
* Birthright citizenship
* Health care
* Aborti0n
* Defense… pic.twitter.com/zGLoFDUEdb
— Paul Villarreal (AKA Vince Manfeld) (@AureliusStoic1) December 8, 2024
“He has a list in his book of 60 people that he calls members of the so-called deep state. It includes Democrats like Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, it includes former members of your cabinet from Bill Barr to Christopher Wray,” Welker said. “You campaigned on destroying the deep state. Do you want Kash Patel to launch investigations into people on that list?”
Trump maintained that while Patel would act according to his judgment, he wouldn’t personally direct any investigations. He praised both nominees, describing Bondi as “like a rocket ship” and highlighting Patel’s fairness despite his conservative stance.
Throughout the interview, Welker persistently pressed Trump about potential investigations into political rivals, including President Joe Biden and special counsel Jack Smith. Trump consistently denied any intentions to direct such investigations, stating, “I’m looking to make our country successful. Retribution will be through success.”
Extended version of the President Trump interview with Kristen Welker of Meet The Press today.
This is about 76 minutes long, or around double the length of the broadcast interview.
. pic.twitter.com/Mp5MlTZRTk— Paul Villarreal (AKA Vince Manfeld) (@AureliusStoic1) December 8, 2024
The conversation also touched on former Representative Liz Cheney’s potential prosecution for her role in the January 6 committee. Trump dismissed suggestions of directing legal action against her, responding that while officials would need to examine certain matters, his focus would be on policies like expanding domestic energy production.
Trump’s second nominee for attorney general came after his initial choice, former Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, withdrew from consideration in late November.
