Trump Discusses Immigration Pullback, AI Optimism, and 2028 GOP Prospects in NBC Interview
Updated (2 articles)
Broad Interview Topics Covered With Tom Llamas On February 5, 2026, President Donald Trump sat down with NBC News anchor Tom Llamas to discuss immigration enforcement, artificial‑intelligence prospects, the 2026 midterm outlook, potential 2028 Republican contenders, and his personal health status [1]. He framed the conversation as a “state of the union” for the Republican agenda heading into the next election cycle. The interview spanned policy, technology, and personal fitness, reflecting Trump’s strategy to address multiple voter concerns in a single appearance.
Withdrawal of 700 Federal Officers From Minnesota Announced Trump announced the pullback of 700 federal officers deployed in Minnesota after two fatal shootings in Minneapolis, describing the move as a “softer touch” while maintaining overall law‑and‑order firmness [1]. He linked the decision to recent criticism of federal presence and cited border czar Tom Homan’s earlier drawdown as a precedent. The reduction aims to balance security with community relations in the state.
Health Update Emphasizes Physical and Mental Fitness Trump told Llamas he feels “as great…physically and mentally” as he did fifteen years ago, offering reassurance about his capacity to serve [1]. The comment came amid ongoing public speculation about his health following previous medical disclosures. He positioned his vitality as a strength for the upcoming campaign season.
AI Forecast Presented as Economic and Military Boon Trump predicted artificial intelligence will become “the greatest jobs, military and medical producer,” asserting it will generate massive employment and enhance defense capabilities while dismissing fears of job displacement [1]. He admitted limited personal use of AI tools but emphasized their national importance. The statement aligns with his broader narrative of technological leadership.
Evaluation of JD Vance and Marco Rubio for 2028 GOP Ticket Trump praised Ohio Senator JD Vance as “fantastic” and highlighted Senator Marco Rubio’s distinct style, calling both “very capable” potential 2028 Republican nominees [1]. He declined to endorse a single candidate, citing a desire to avoid intra‑party rivalry. The remarks suggest a strategic openness to multiple front‑runners.
NBC Fact‑Check Labels Several Trump Claims Inaccurate NBC’s fact‑check team identified false or misleading statements in Trump’s interview, including inflated illegal‑immigration numbers (25 million entries under Biden), the claim that 11,000 “murderers” entered the country, and allegations of election fraud in Detroit and Philadelphia [1]. The network cited Department of Homeland Security data and court‑verified audit results to refute these assertions.
Timeline
Sat Jan 24, 2026 – Alex Pretti is fatally shot in Minneapolis, sparking criticism of the administration’s immigration crackdown and prompting calls for de‑escalation in the city[1].
Mon Jan 26, 2026 (6:15 a.m.) – Fox & Friends co‑host Brian Kilmeade urges President Trump to send DHS border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to address the fallout from the Pretti shooting[1].
Mon Jan 26, 2026 (7:15 a.m.) – Kilmeade repeats the request, emphasizing Homan’s “tough but fair” reputation and loyalty to Trump[1].
Mon Jan 26, 2026 (8:10 a.m.) – Kilmeade makes a third appeal for Homan, citing the need for “calm leadership” in Minneapolis[1].
Mon Jan 26, 2026 (≈8:30 a.m.) – President Trump posts on Truth Social that Tom Homan will be dispatched that night, confirming the plan within 20 minutes of the final Fox & Friends pitch[1].
Mon Jan 26, 2026 (later that night) – Homan, a former Fox commentator and DHS border czar, prepares to travel to Minnesota to oversee federal immigration enforcement and “settle things down” in the city[1].
Jan 2026 (throughout month) – Conservative outlets, including a New York Post editorial read on Fox & Friends, criticize the administration’s handling of the Pretti shooting and urge a softer, de‑escalatory approach[1].
Jan 2026 (throughout month) – National Review labels Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a “growing liability,” while Fox reporter Bill Melugin cites “more than half a dozen federal sources” uneasy with DHS narratives after the shooting[1].
Feb 5, 2026 – In an NBC interview with Tom Llamas, President Trump declares he feels “as fit as I did 15 years ago,” offering reassurance about his physical and mental health[2].
Feb 5, 2026 – Trump announces a pullback of 700 federal officers from Minnesota, describing the move as a “softer touch” after two recent fatal Minneapolis shootings and noting that border czar Tom Homan had already begun a drawdown[2].
Feb 5, 2026 – Trump predicts artificial intelligence will become “the greatest jobs, military and medical producer,” asserting it will generate massive employment and advance defense and healthcare despite concerns about displacement[2].
Feb 5, 2026 – Trump praises JD Vance and Marco Rubio as “very capable” 2028 GOP prospects, describing Vance as “fantastic” while avoiding naming a preferred candidate to prevent intra‑party rivalry[2].
Feb 5, 2026 – NBC’s fact‑check flags several of Trump’s statements as false or misleading, including his claims about 25 million illegal entries under Biden, 11,000 “murderers” admitted, and alleged election fraud in Detroit and Philadelphia[2].
Nov 2026 (expected) – The midterm elections approach, with Trump positioning himself as a key influencer in Republican races and hinting at potential endorsements for 2028 presidential contenders[2].
2028 (projected) – The next presidential election looms, with Trump highlighting JD Vance and Marco Rubio as leading Republican options for the GOP nomination[2].
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External resources (2 links)
- https://www.nationalreview.com/the-morning-jolt/kristi-noem-growing-liability-for-the-trump-administration/ (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/BillMelugin_/status/2015571364212609379 (cited 1 times)