WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — President Donald Trump defended his first year back in office during a wide-ranging interview Tuesday with NewsNation, addressing federal workforce reductions, immigration enforcement challenges and his continued interest in acquiring Greenland.
In the exclusive sit-down with host Katie Pavlich marking his second-term inauguration anniversary, Trump covered topics ranging from economic policy to foreign threats, speaking from the Roosevelt Room about his administration’s priorities heading into 2026.
Trump on firing of ‘hundreds of thousands’ of federal workers
Trump said his administration has dismissed “hundreds of thousands of federal employees” as part of efforts to transition the economy from government subsidies to private sector growth.
“I hate to fire people, but we fired hundreds of thousands of federal employees because we had 10 people to do one job,” Trump told Pavlich. He said those workers have moved to the private sector where they earn “two or three times more money.”
Trump framed the reductions as necessary for economic growth, saying government jobs don’t contribute to his “Make America Great Again” agenda.
Trump also criticized Democrats for their response during State of the Union addresses when families of crime victims are introduced, claiming lawmakers refuse to applaud.
“The Democrats sit there and they won’t clap. They won’t acknowledge the mother and father,” Trump said. “There’s something wrong with them.”
Trump says Insurrection Act not needed yet for Minnesota ICE protests
Addressing anti-ICE demonstrations in Minneapolis, Trump accused “professional, paid people” of organizing protests against deportation efforts rather than genuine local residents.
“These are professional, paid people. They’re like actors,” Trump said, singling out media personality Don Lemon as “a loser” and claiming protesters are compensated agitators.
Trump also criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., saying she “comes from a country that doesn’t even have a government” and calling her “horrible” for what he characterized as lecturing Americans on constitutional rights.
The president referenced “at least” $19 billion in “stolen money” related to pandemic relief fraud in California and other states as a separate concern.
Trump said he is not ready to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota but reiterated he would have “no problem” doing so if federal immigration enforcement faces continued obstruction.
“I don’t think it is yet. It might be at some point,” Trump said, noting that “over 40 percent of the presidents” have used the law during their terms.
The Insurrection Act allows presidents to deploy military forces domestically when civil authorities cannot enforce federal law. Trump said it would bypass the court system and “make life a lot easier.”
Trump defends Greenland pursuit as key to missile defense system
Trump defended his pursuit of Greenland as a national security imperative rather than a real estate venture, citing the territory’s strategic location relative to Russia and China.
“It’s located in such a place that is literally so important for national security,” Trump said, noting increased Russian and Chinese military activity in the region.
When asked about building a golf course in Greenland, Trump said: “You’d have to wear a lot of very heavy clothing.”
Trump connected Greenland to his “golden dome” missile defense system, describing it as a revival of former President Ronald Reagan’s vision for comprehensive missile defense.
“We’re building the golden dome, which we’re gonna have a dome over the country,” Trump said. “Having Greenland makes it a much more effective golden dome.”
He claimed current technology can intercept incoming missiles “literally 100 percent” of the time.
Trump vows to ‘wipe (Iran) off the face of this Earth’ over threats
Trump issued stark warnings to Iran over assassination threats against him, saying he has authorized complete retaliation if any attempt is made on his life.
“I have very firm instructions. Anything happens, they’re going to wipe them off the face of this earth,” Trump said.
He criticized former President Joe Biden for not responding more forcefully to Iranian threats during the Biden administration.
Trump on American held hostage by the Taliban
When asked about American hostage Dennis Coyle, held by the Taliban for nearly a year, Trump appeared unfamiliar with the case but promised action after Pavlich provided details.
“You give me some information. I’ll take care of that,” Trump said, adding he could “do some things on the internet that are pretty impactful.”
Trump said he was “not happy” about the Taliban holding anyone, particularly someone who hasn’t committed a crime.
