President Donald Trump’s TIME interview on his first 100 days

In an expansive interview marking his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump sketched out an agenda that touches everything from punitive tariffs and China policy to cease-fire hopes in Ukraine and an overhaul of domestic programmes. Below are the highlights.

1. Tariffs: the Centrepiece of Economic Strategy

“Giant department store” doctrine – Trump likened the United States to a retailer that sets its own prices, insisting that high across-the-board tariffs (up to 145 % on some products) are “total victory” because they force companies to build in America.

Timetable for deals – He claimed to have struck or finalised “200” tariff arrangements and said definitive country-by-country rates will be unveiled “within three to four weeks.”

Small-business concerns – While CEOs of major retailers “love” the policy, the President said exemptions for small firms would be considered “case-by-case.”

Inflation rebuttal – Trump argued that inflows of tariff revenue, not interest-rate moves, are already lowering grocery and energy prices.

2. China: From Phone Calls to “Unsustainable” Trade

Direct line to Xi – Trump confirmed President Xi Jinping “has called,” adding that both sides want a deal but only on U.S. terms.

Hard line on deficits – He labelled a $2 trillion annual U.S. trade gap “unsustainable” and reiterated tariffs as leverage until Beijing “pays a fair price.”

No summit unless Beijing blinks – Trump said he will not phone Xi first and will reveal country-specific tariff rates that push supply chains back to American soil.

3. Ukraine–Russia: “Very Close to a Deal”

Cease-fire ambition – Calling the conflict “Biden’s war,” Trump insisted he alone can bring both sides to the table and claimed talks are advancing.

Crimea stays Russian – The President declared that Crimea “will stay with Russia,” contending Kyiv already recognises that reality.

NATO limits – Trump repeated that Ukraine “will never” join NATO, arguing the alliance question originally sparked the war.

Putin factor – He believes peace is achievable “if Putin is still president” and that Moscow prefers negotiation over “taking the whole thing”—provided Trump brokers it.

4. Domestic Cuts, DOGE and Deportations

Government downsizing – Through the Data-Oriented Government Efficiencies (DOGE) initiative, agencies are compiling a single database to uncover “hundreds of billions” in waste.

Border and deportations – Trump said mass removals of undocumented immigrants fulfil campaign promises and insisted U.S. criminality justifies exploring overseas incarceration deals.

Social programmes – He pledged to veto any Republican bill that slices Social Security or Medicare, but said “waste, fraud and abuse” in Medicaid remain targets.

Free-speech backlash – The administration revoked student visas for protesters it deems antisemitic, a move Trump says defends campuses rather than chills dissent.

5. Third-Term Talk and Global Ambitions

Term-limit “loopholes” – Despite once ruling out a third term, Trump now says supporters “are inundating” him to consider legal avenues, though he “doesn’t believe in loopholes.”

Territorial expansion – He floated statehood for Canada, acquisition of Greenland and strategic control of the Panama Canal as ways to bolster U.S. security and wealth.

Middle-East push – An upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE aims to secure a promised $1 trillion in Gulf investment and restart the Abraham Accords, potentially drawing Riyadh into formal ties with Israel.

Copied