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6 Key Insights from Trump’s Inaugural Oval Office Interview


Topics like California fires, pardons for January 6 defendants, TikTok, sanctuary cities, J13, and the declassification of JFK records were discussed during his talk with Sean Hannity of Fox News.

President Donald J. Trump conducted his first Oval Office interview of his second presidency with Fox News host Sean Hannity.

The impactful discussion covered a variety of subjects, including his pardons for those involved in the January 6 incident, the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, his prompt actions at the border, and the declassification process regarding records linked to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, among other important issues.

In reference to former President Joe Biden’s preemptive pardons for Dr. Anthony Fauci and others, Trump pointed out that neither Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) nor the former president himself was included in the pardons.

Here are some highlights from the first half of the interview, which aired on January 22, with the latter half set to air on January 23.

Trump Reiterates Intention to Declassify JFK, RFK, and MLK Shooting Records

Two days after being inaugurated, Trump told Hannity he still intends to release classified government documents associated with the assassinations of President Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

“We’re currently reviewing it,” he stated, adding, “We will release them immediately.”

These three assassinations have deeply influenced America’s consciousness during the turbulent 1960s, leading to speculations regarding involvement from the U.S. government, foreign entities, organized crime, and other groups. Advocates for transparency believe the newly available information might illuminate what transpired.

In August 2024, following an assassination attempt on him in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump announced plans to establish a presidential commission to oversee the release of JFK records.

He mentioned that during his initial term, officials like then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo advised against fully releasing the JFK files.

Pompeo “believed it wasn’t an opportune moment for their release. You might question him about that,” Trump noted to Hannity.

Trump Advocates Linking California Funding to Water Management

The president commented on the recent catastrophic fires in Southern California.

“What’s happened to Los Angeles is akin to a nuclear explosion,” he remarked. “Massive funding will be needed for Los Angeles.”

Trump noted that amidst partisan budgeting negotiations, the needs of red states like western North Carolina, still recovering from Hurricane Helene, could be balanced against those of the blue state of Los Angeles. Congress faces a March 14 deadline to agree on continued federal funding.

He asserted that California, along with Governor Gavin Newsom, could improve water management, criticizing the prioritization of certain environmental policies aimed at protecting endangered fish over the water needs of residents. A memorandum from the White House dated January 20 suggests redirecting water from Northern California to various areas throughout the state.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks with Fox News host Sean Hannity shortly after the GOP debates at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., on Sept. 27, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

California Governor Gavin Newsom engages in conversation with Fox News host Sean Hannity following the GOP debates at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on September 27, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

The president articulated that federal assistance to California should be contingent upon more efficient water management practices. He criticized the media for not adequately reporting the extensive flow of water from the Rockies into the Pacific Ocean, a practice some environmentalists defend as vital for the preservation of the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta.

“The media never highlights it,” he remarked.

Trump Discusses Border Control and Sanctuary Cities

Trump’s early days in office included swift actions on immigration and border control, illustrated by executive orders issued on his first day. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids leading to the arrest of 308 undocumented immigrants that same day. On January 22, Trump ordered the deployment of 1,500 troops to the southern border.

“To permit such a surge of illegal immigration is an absolute folly,” Trump remarked, condemning the current administration’s handling of border security, which contrasts sharply with his policies promoting legal immigration.

During his dialogue with Hannity, Trump elaborated on his border and immigration strategies, particularly concerning sanctuary jurisdictions that do not fully comply with federal immigration enforcement. Notably, California as a whole is considered a sanctuary state, though Huntington Beach is one community that has recently declared itself a “non-sanctuary city.”

U.S. Border Patrol agents monitor illegal border crossings in Jacumba, Calif., on Jan. 10, 2024. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

U.S. Border Patrol agents observing illegal crossings in Jacumba, California, on January 10, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

“Would you consider reducing their funding?” Hannity inquired regarding sanctuary cities and states.

“I may have to consider that. Sometimes that’s the sole effective measure,” Trump responded.

He added that identifying illegal immigrants who “could pose a threat” was relatively straightforward.

“There are individuals arriving with visible tattoos on their faces,” he noted. “Typically, you wouldn’t expect such a person to be the leading figure at a local bank.”

Trump Predicts TikTok Will Be Acquired

Additionally, the president discussed TikTok.

On his first day in office, Trump paused the enforcement of a potential ban or divestment law against the app through an executive order, allowing it about two and a half months to disengage from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, which is required to comply with Chinese government directives.

“There are interested buyers out there,” Trump informed Hannity.

The TikTok logos on screens in Hong Kong on Jan. 18, 2025. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)

The TikTok logos displayed on screens in Hong Kong on January 18, 2025. Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

He linked his successful outreach to younger voters to his presence on TikTok. He launched his profile on the app in June 2024, despite apprehensions from various Republicans and Democrats about the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over the platform’s ownership.

“Those who claim to know assert it’s a tool for spying by the Communist Chinese,” Hannity remarked.

“You can make that claim about any product manufactured in China,” Trump countered. “Is it truly critical for China to monitor young people engaged in watching silly videos?”

In parallel, American, Canadian, and Australian analysts have cautioned that the CCP views TikTok as an instrument to connect with youth, spreading propaganda as part of a broader strategy to influence potential future Western leaders.
In 2023, as discussions about the app’s risks surged, then-Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), who chaired the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, cautioned that the CCP was likely to leverage TikTok as a potent weapon in its “cognitive warfare” against the United States.

Trump Justifies His Extensive J6 Pardons

Trump and Hannity further deliberated on his approximately 1,500 pardons and 14 commutations associated with those convicted for offenses related to the January 6 Capitol breach.

While reflecting on Biden’s preemptive pardons, Trump mentioned he did not opt for broad preemptive pardons when leaving office.

“I stated, ‘I will not grant pardons to anyone. We didn’t commit any wrongdoing,’” Trump conveyed to Hannity.

“There were individuals who endured hardships,” he added, referencing Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon’s incarcerations.

Steve Bannon speaks on night one of the America (AM) Fest hosted by Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 19, 2024. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Steve Bannon addresses the audience during night one of the America (AM) Fest hosted by Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 19, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Hannity asked why Trump chose to pardon some individuals convicted of violent crimes against law enforcement during the January 6 events. Before taking office, both Trump and then-Vice President-elect JD Vance indicated their concentration would be on those facing incarceration for nonviolent offenses.

Trump remarked that many of the January 6 individuals convicted of violent conduct have already served significant time in prison.

“They were treated as if they were the most heinous criminals in history,” he asserted.

He also insisted that many of the incidents leading to violent convictions were blown out of proportion, calling them “relatively minor occurrences” exaggerated by an unsympathetic media.

Trump Reflects on the Attempt on His Life in Butler

In their conversation, Trump recounted the events of July 13—the day an assassin’s bullet nearly took his life during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“A slight tilt of his head would have made the bullet ‘whack’,” Trump stated.

“I wouldn’t simply label it luck,” he explained to Hannity.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump raises his fist shortly after the assassination attempt at a campaign rally, in Butler, Pa., on July 13, 2024. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump raises his fist shortly after surviving an assassination attempt during a campaign stop in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. Evan Vucci/AP Photo

The president reflected that this profound brush with mortality had an impact on his sons, Don Jr. and Eric.

Trump acknowledged it has deepened his spiritual connection.

“I don’t believe I’ve transformed significantly, but I feel that this experience has transpired,” he said.



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