KRISTEN WELKER:
This Sunday: rising threats. The nation is on edge after a lethal New Year’s Day terror assault that investigators say was impressed by ISIS.
CHRISTOPHER RAIA:
This was an act of terrorism. It was premeditated and an evil act.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Plus: the brand new majority. As Republicans in Congress put together to advance Donald Trump’s legislative priorities, I’ll speak to the brand new Senate Majority Leader, Republican John Thune of South Dakota.
KRISTEN WELKER:
How would you describe your relationship with President-elect Trump proper now?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, you understand what? We are – it’s evolving.
KRISTEN WELKER:
And: minority report.
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
We are right here able to battle for the American folks.
KRISTEN WELKER:
How will Democrats navigate their new function within the minority? I’ll communicate to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and California Senator Adam Schiff. Joining me for perception and evaluation are: NBC News Managing Washington Editor Carol Lee, Jonathan Martin of Politico, Symone Sanders Townsend, former chief spokeswoman for Vice President Kamala Harris and March Short, former chief of workers to Vice President Mike Pence. Welcome to Sunday. It’s Meet the Press.
ANNOUNCER:
From NBC News in Washington, the longest-running present in tv historical past, that is Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Good Sunday morning. On this primary weekend of 2025, the nation is on edge, after lethal New Year’s assaults in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Federal officers are on excessive alert about potential safety threats as Washington prepares for a collection of key public occasions: the certification of the 2024 Election on Monday, President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral on Thursday on the National Cathedral and, in simply 15 days, President-elect Trump’s inauguration. President Biden with an emotional message to the victims’ households of that tragedy in Louisiana.
[BEGIN TAPE]
PRES. JOE BIDEN:
To all of the households of those that had been killed, to all those that are injured, to all of the folks of New Orleans who’re grieving right this moment, I would like you to know I grieve with you. Our nation grieves with you. We’re going to face with you as you mourn and as you heal.
[END TAPE]
KRISTEN WELKER:
According to the FBI, the New Orleans attacker, a US citizen and Army veteran from Texas who was impressed by ISIS to kill 14 folks, had deliberate to make use of a transmitter to detonate two explosives he had positioned close to the positioning of the Bourbon Street assault. Top legislation enforcement officers have warned the continuing warfare within the Middle East has elevated the specter of terror assaults contained in the United States.
[BEGIN TAPE]
CHRISTOPHER WRAY:
At a time when the terrorism risk was already elevated, the continuing warfare within the Middle East has raised the specter of an assault in opposition to Americans contained in the United States to a complete ‘nother degree.
MERRICK GARLAND:
We have been warning for fairly a while now. Both the Justice Department, the FBI and the intelligence neighborhood that we’re in a heightened risk setting from malign international actors, together with specifically, ISIS.
[END TAPE]
KRISTEN WELKER:
All of this comes because the 119th Congress convened on Friday, narrowly re-electing House Speaker Mike Johnson to guide the razor-thin Republican majority, after he and President-elect Trump persuaded a number of preliminary holdouts. I sat down with the primary new Senate Republican chief in 18 years, Majority Leader John Thune. Senate Majority Leader Thune, welcome again to Meet the Press.
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Thanks, Kristen. Great to be with you.
KRISTEN WELKER:
It is nice to have you ever. Unfortunately we now have to begin on this devastating information out of New Orleans, this terror assault. You have now been briefed. It claimed 14 lives. What is the newest data that you’ve in regards to the investigation?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, horrible information clearly, and our hearts and prayers exit to the entire victims’ households, those that are nonetheless injured. Praying for his or her restoration. But what a, you understand, horrible option to begin the brand new yr. And it factors to the necessity to get the solutions and to verify it does not occur once more. And I believe that as extra data comes out and the investigation is extra totally accomplished, I believe we’ll have extra of these solutions. But, you understand, clearly it is a harmful world. And I believe it is a reminder that we should be doing every part we are able to at each degree to maintain the American folks secure.
KRISTEN WELKER:
You know, you stated in your assertion after the horrific assault in New Orleans that the risk posed by ISIS, quote, “Is a transparent instance of why the Senate should get President Trump’s nationwide safety crew in place as rapidly as potential.” As you understand, there are Senate Republicans who say they nonetheless have questions in regards to the {qualifications}, in regards to the character of a few of President-elect Trump’s picks, from Pete Hegseth to Tulsi Gabbard. As we sit right here right this moment, are you ready to vote sure on all of his nominees?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, we – it is a course of. And what I’ve promised them is a good course of. And so these nominees are going to undergo a committee the place they are going to need to reply questions. There can be some arduous questions posed. We’re going to do every part we are able to to make sure that he has the folks he needs in place. I believe you give nice deference and latitude to a president in relation to folks he needs to place into key positions. And nationwide safety ones are particularly essential. But the Senate has a job: advise and consent. And we intend, we now have loads of our senators who take that function very critically. And so we’ll be sure that these nominees have a course of, a good course of, during which they’ve a possibility to make their instances not solely to the members of the committee and finally to the complete Senate but additionally to the American folks. And that is underway as we communicate. But my hope and expectation is that the president will get the those who he needs in place to implement his agenda.
KRISTEN WELKER:
And I hear you say there is a course of, however you are not ready to say you are a sure, you are a rubber stamp on all of those nominees at this level?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, that is why we now have a course of. And, you understand, I’ve met with them. There are a few of them I believe that I’ve been actually, actually impressed by. And I believe there are – as they undergo the method, there can be alternatives all through that the place members, senators may have alternatives to verify they’re getting their questions answered. And we’ll see. I imply, I believe this can be a – once more, that is why we now have the checks and balances in our system that we now have. But my expectation is, and because the chief of the Senate, that we will get the president his folks as rapidly as potential in the important thing positions the place he needs them.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Let me ask you about Kash Patel. In his e-book, as you understand, as has been reported, he has an inventory of 60 folks he calls members of the so-called “deep state.” Are you sure that Kash Patel’s priorities can be preventing crime, defending nationwide safety relatively than settling political scores?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
I believe that he understands what his mission can be if he’s profitable in getting confirmed to that place on the FBI. The FBI is an company that I believe is in want of reform and wishes a very good makeover so to talk and doubtless a very good quantity of housecleaning in relation to simply the notion the American folks have of it. And these establishments that the American folks have to trust and belief in, I believe that confidence and belief has largely eroded. And there’s a possibility to repair that. I believe that’s what – I sat down with, met with him. I believe he understands that that is the mission. And if he is profitable by means of the nomination course of, I hope that he’ll take very critically that accountability and concentrate on what he can do to make the FBI function in a means that’s defending the American folks and likewise being accountable to the identical.
KRISTEN WELKER:
When you say you assume he does perceive the mission, does that imply, sure, you do assume he’ll put nationwide safety forward of settling political scores?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, you understand, in my conversations with him, and I’ve not talked loads in regards to the conferences that I’ve had, however I felt like he totally understood, I believe, what is anticipated and I believe what the president needs out of the company. And, yeah, I really feel assured that he will get what his job goes to be if he will get over there. And I believe that as he goes by means of the method, extra members may have a possibility to ask the questions of him. But I believe, at the least based mostly on my conversations with him, I felt superb about that.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Are you a sure on Kash Patel?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, I’m not – I have not been promoting or disclosing my positions on particular person nominees at this level simply but. But my job is to verify they get a good course of, and so I intend to try this. And I believe that is underway.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Let’s speak in regards to the Republicans’ agenda.
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Yeah.
KRISTEN WELKER:
When I spoke with President-elect Donald Trump, he stated that his mass deportation plan was his prime precedence. He needs to deport everybody who’s right here illegally. Do you help that plan to deport everybody who’s right here illegally?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, I believe there are particular – actually there are classes, individuals who’ve dedicated crimes. There are over 1,000,000 those who the present administration had focused for deportation. And so I believe that we now have to take critically the truth that there are lots of people on this nation right this moment, over 10 million, who’ve are available simply within the final 4 years below this administration’s insurance policies, lots of whom are usually not right here for good causes. I imply, we all know we have apprehended virtually 300 folks on the southern border which might be on the terrorist watch checklist. And you have obtained criminals, and cartel members, and gang members, and the entire above. So I believe that as we take into consideration what these subsequent steps are, the very first thing is securing that border, and ensuring that we modify the motivation construction so folks aren’t incentivized to come back right here illegally, which they’ve been for the previous 4 years, and that we do every part to make sure that the border personnel, the ICE brokers and border brokers, have the assets that they should do their job. Now a few of which means bodily boundaries. Some of it means technological boundaries, et cetera. And these are all going to require assets. And then a few of it’ll require deportation of sure people who find themselves right here illegally. How that will get translated into precise coverage and motion can be a perform of the brand new border czar and Homeland Security Department secretary, who can be our Governor Kristi Noem.
KRISTEN WELKER:
And after all it is extremely difficult. You’d want 24 extra occasions ICE detention capability simply to deport 1 million folks in a single yr, to not point out extra brokers, extra judges, extra planes for deportation. In 2016 —
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Right.
KRISTEN WELKER:
– you truly stated deporting everybody right here illegally wasn’t sensible. Have you modified your thoughts about that? Do you assume it is sensible?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, I believe you bought – once more, I believe you begin and that is going to be, clearly, a course of. And it’ll take assets, clearly, to get folks, you understand, to depart the nation. We’re going to have to verify the administration has the assets they should allow them to try this. Is it sensible to deport everyone? I imply, there’s lots of people on this nation who’re right here illegally. But I believe we now have I — there have recognized already– and, like I stated, anyone who has dedicated a criminal offense on this nation clearly out to be on that checklist. And there are a bunch of oldsters, over 1,000,000, 1.4 million I believe, on the present administration’s checklist of those who should be deported. So begin with that, after which we’ll go from there and determine it out. But I believe that the administration after they take workplace, these are selections, clearly, they are going to need to make. And we need to work with them to make sure that we now have a secure and safe southern border the place folks do not have the motivation construction they’ve right this moment, which is actually, “Come to this nation, and we’ll wave you in.” People have to grasp that we’re a nation of immigrants, however we’re initially a nation of legal guidelines, and you have to observe the legislation.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Let’s speak about tax cuts. President-elect Trump has proposed a slew of tax cuts, extending the 2017 tax cuts, in addition to additional slashing the company charge, eliminating taxes on suggestions. The estimated worth for every part he is proposing would exceed some $9 trillion. Are you snug including $9 trillion to the nationwide debt?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, I believe it’s important to, first off, have a look at what occurs if we do not act by the top of the yr, and that is a $4 trillion tax enhance on the American folks, as a result of that is basically what you are speaking about if we do not lengthen the present, the 2017 tax legislation. The president has had another recommendations and concepts with respect to, you understand, that he wish to do within the space of tax reform. And we’re – we’ll take these into consideration. But I believe that the – we intend to make sure that we do not have a $4 trillion tax enhance on the American folks by December 31 of this yr. And to be able to try this, we have to behave collectively, House, Senate, and White House, to increase the 2017 tax cuts. Now in doing that, I consider there may even be a strong dialog about whether or not we are able to discover offsets and obtain reductions in spending that will assist offset a few of that. But then additionally you have to perceive too that tax coverage is instantly related to financial development. And the – we have been advised by all of the consultants, the Joint Committee on Taxation, Congressional Budget Office, that for each 1% enhance in GDP, you generate about $3 trillion in extra tax income. Many of the tax provisions which might be in legislation right this moment that can be prolonged may have a really optimistic impression on development within the financial system. I’m someone who believes in development. With development, you get better-paying jobs, however you additionally generate extra tax income. And I believe that is one thing that is not totally contemplated or thought-about when folks speak about deficit numbers.
KRISTEN WELKER:
You’ve stated that the scale of the nationwide debt is definitely a nationwide safety risk. You’re speaking in regards to the 2017 tax cuts, however whenever you lump all of those different potential tax cuts onto it, it simply balloons the debt. How would you pay for that? I hear you expressing some skepticism that the entire total bundle may get completed.
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, I imply, I believe that you simply begin with extending present tax coverage. And that’s present – that’s present coverage. You know, some folks, relying on which scorekeepers you employ, will say, “Well, sure, that is going to contribute to deficits down the street.” But the actual fact of the matter is that is the legislation right this moment, and what you are doing is actually extending that —
KRISTEN WELKER:
So it might all be paid for by offsets?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, not maybe all of it. But what I’m telling you is a mix of development, a mix of offsets, and an expectation, I believe, that if you wish to keep away from a $4 trillion tax enhance, you are going to need to take some steps to increase the present tax coverage. When you try this, I believe you get outcomes which might be good for the financial system. And when the financial system is rising, increasing, and creating better-paying jobs, individuals are being profitable, they’re taking realizations, they’re paying taxes. Tax revenues go up. And that was demonstrated and confirmed in 2017 with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Monday marks 4 years since January sixth, because the assault on the Capitol. You had been right here that day. You’ve been on this constructing for greater than 20 years. In my interview with him, President-elect Trump stated he plans to pardon those that attacked the Capitol on that day and doubtlessly even a few of those that pleaded responsible to assaulting law enforcement officials. Do you help that? Pardoning individuals who attacked law enforcement officials, who stormed the Capitol that day?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, I imply, as we have found below the Biden administration, the pardon authority is a really broad one. I imply, he is taken it to a complete new degree. That’s finally going to be a choice that President Trump goes to need to make. And, you understand, what I’m targeted on is the longer term and never wanting within the rearview mirror however wanting within the windshield and what we now have to do. I believe you be taught from the previous, you keep in mind the previous, however you reside within the current and the longer term. And proper now we now have an agenda which consists of a stronger, extra strong financial system, vitality dominance, rebuilding our nationwide safety, and securing our border. Those are issues that we need to get completed which I believe the American folks voted on in November and gave President Trump a really decisive victory. And I believe the expectation is that we will work with him to perform that agenda.
KRISTEN WELKER:
As the bulk chief within the Senate, although, what message do you assume it might ship to present pardons to individuals who pleaded responsible to attacking law enforcement officials, who stormed this constructing 4 years in the past?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, look, I imply, once more, it is finally going to be a choice that the President of the United States — the pardon authority exists with him. My job proper now’s to get – assist the president get the folks into the positions that he needs to implement his agenda after which work constructively with him, with the House of Representatives, on an agenda that we expect is what the American folks voted for. And that, you understand, – you may’t, you may’t be wanting within the rearview mirror to try this. That’s 4 years in the past. I believe the American individuals are dwelling within the current, and I believe us, they need the work that we’re doing to be completed with a watch towards what we are able to do and enhance their lives right this moment.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Quick little lightning spherical if I may. President-elect Trump advised me he’s open to doing a cope with Democrats to guard Dreamers, those that had been introduced right here illegally as youngsters. Do you decide to working with Democrats to attempt to get a deal on the Dreamers?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, in the event that they – if the President of the United States – he’s clearly going to guide on loads of this coverage with respect to the border. But that is a matter that I believe on which there may very well be some bipartisan cooperation. The – prior to now at the least, there have been conversations round in the event you get the proper issues with respect to frame safety, that could be a part of a dialog the place you could possibly get a bundle.
KRISTEN WELKER:
I simply lastly, large image, need to ask you: You endorsed Tim Scott throughout the Republican main. You finally backed Mr. Trump. How would you describe your relationship with President-elect Trump proper now?
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Well, you understand what? We are– it is evolving, and we now have a relationship I believe the place we perceive what one another needs to perform. And what I’ve stated earlier than is, you understand, that we now have – there may be an alignment of incentives. We need to get to the identical vacation spot. I would like loads of identical issues– I need to accomplish the identical issues that he does. And I believe that is a strong mixture. And we will proceed to construct on that.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Thank you a lot on your time.
SEN. JOHN THUNE:
Thanks, Kristen.
KRISTEN WELKER:
And after we come again, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joins me subsequent.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Welcome again. And becoming a member of me now’s the Senate minority chief, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York. Leader Schumer, welcome again to Meet the Press.
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
Kristen, good to be again. And completely satisfied new yr to you and your loved ones and to all of America.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Oh, completely satisfied new yr to you. Thank you a lot for being right here on this primary Sunday of the brand new yr. I do need to begin off by getting your insights into the assault in New Orleans. As you understand, loads of households are sitting at dwelling. They really feel afraid. They really feel on edge. There are loads of large occasions arising from the inauguration to the Super Bowl, which goes to be in New Orleans. What are the safety gaps that you simply assume should be addressed?
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
Well, first I need to categorical my condolences to the households who’re in mourning for the family members who had been misplaced in New Orleans. We grieve for them. And additionally, you understand, the – the previous soldier, a member of the Armed Forces who had PTSD and dedicated suicide in entrance of the Las Vegas lodge, confirmed I believe that we have to do extra for our veterans who’ve PTSD and different issues there. As for safety, the underside line is that I consider the authorities are on full alert when it comes to safety. Look, terrorism is a better risk right here in America. We have ISIS. We produce other teams. The terrorist who rammed his automotive and killed so many individuals was a professed member of ISIS. Now, we have no idea – we all know that he acted alone. We do not know if he – ISIS directed him to do it. They’re nonetheless investigating. But we should be very, very vigilant. And so I despatched a letter yesterday to John Thune suggesting we now have an all-senators briefing this week on the preparations for the large occasions which might be arising and for the power to ask questions of our legislation enforcement. I consider they’re on prime of this. But having an all-senators listening to, giving us an opportunity to reply questions and them to answer is an efficient factor. So, I’m hopeful Senator Thune and I can work that out and get it completed this week.
KRISTEN WELKER:
All proper. Well, I do know that you will proceed to observe that carefully. I do need to flip to the way you see Democrats’ function on this new Congress. Your fellow Democratic congressman colleague Tom Suozzi stated the get together must attempt a distinct strategy in relation to coping with President-elect Trump. Let me learn you a bit of little bit of what he needed to say. He stated, “I do know my get together can be tempted to carry quick in opposition to Mr. Trump at each flip. That can be a mistake. Only by working collectively to search out compromise on components of the president-elect’s agenda can we make progress for Americans.” Do you agree with Congressman Suozzi that Democrats want a brand new strategy towards President-elect Trump?
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
Well, look, I believe it is clear that at any time when we are able to get issues completed in a bipartisan means, we attempt to do it. And that is one of the simplest ways to go. It creates applications which might be long-lasting and extremely popular. So again in 2021-22, after we had probably the most profitable session of the Senate, of the Congress in many years, seven of the eight main payments had been completed in a bipartisan means. So, we all the time search for bipartisan cooperation and would welcome the power. On the opposite hand, when there are issues that we won’t agree with – as an example, tax breaks for the wealthiest of Americans paid for, as many Republicans have instructed, by cuts in Social Security and in Medicare and making it more durable for brand new households to purchase their first dwelling – they are going to need to undergo us. We’re going to oppose these sorts of issues very, very rigorously. So, I believe we are able to – we can be bipartisan after we can. But additionally when they’re attempting to do issues, our Republican colleagues, which might be so dangerous for working folks, we’ll oppose them.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Leader Schumer, I’m curious the place you see these potential areas. In my interview with President-elect Trump, he stated he is open to doubtlessly getting a deal for dreamers, those that had been delivered to the nation illegally as youngsters, to have the ability to keep right here completely. Do you assume that that’s possible? You heard Leader Thune say, sure, he thinks there are some areas of bipartisanship there. Do you assume a deal on dreamers is feasible?
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
Well, we might love to try this. Our get together has been strongly preventing for the dreamers for a decade. We’ve been blocked by our colleagues on the opposite facet of the aisle. If there’s going to be a change and we are able to get some assist – look, these are folks, they had been little tiny youngsters after they had been introduced over the border. Many of them have been right here for many years. Some have served within the Armed Forces. Many of them are working very productively and have households. And sure, if we are able to discover a resolution in order that the dreamers may keep right here, we might welcome it.
KRISTEN WELKER:
You know, you heard Leader Thune when it comes to President-elect Trump’s Cabinet say that the Senate would work, quote, “as rapidly as potential to get his Cabinet picks in place.” And principally saying that if his nationwide safety picks are usually not in place rapidly, that would undermine the nation’s regular safety. Do you agree with Leader Thune there?
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
Look, we have requested for 3 issues which might be cheap. First, that there be thorough FBI background checks of each one of many nominees on the Cabinet degree. Second, that there be hearings the place members have the chance to completely ask the questions that they need answered. And then third, there be a vote. That’s been the custom right here below Democratic and Republican presidents. It’s been recommendation and consent. And look, these – any American who applies for a job has to endure a background test, has to reply questions that the potential employer asks her or him. So, after all we must always do these issues, and I hope we’ll. The backside line is these positions are actually essential, as Senator Thune stated, for our nationwide safety. And the American folks ought to have the power to know who’s being nominated and what – what their standards are.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Are you a sure proper now?
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
What their traits are.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Are you a sure proper now on any of those picks?
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
No, I’m ready for this course of, this cheap course of that we have requested for, to unfold.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Let’s speak –
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
Background checks, thorough background checks, hearings and votes.
KRISTEN WELKER:
All proper. Let’s speak now about the way forward for the Democratic Party. Democrats have stated this can be a actual reckoning after shedding the White House, the Senate, not successful again the House. Here’s what Democratic strategist James Carville needed to say. He wrote, quote, “We misplaced for one quite simple purpose. It was, it’s, and it’ll all the time be the financial system, silly.” Do you agree? What do you assume was the foundation reason for Democrats’ across-the-board loss?
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
No, look, I advised my caucus and I – I’ll say it right here too. We ought to regard this election, actually it was a loss, however it’s additionally a problem. And we did some issues proper in opposition to very extreme headwinds. We stored 4 of these seven contested Democratic seats. But we did some issues fallacious. And we now have to look within the mirror and see what we did fallacious. And then there’s some issues we did not try this we must always have completed. One of the issues we now have to do is we should concentrate on the working households of America. We consider in them, and we handed every kind of laws that helped them: the Infrastructure Bill, which made our financial system stronger and employed a lot of folks. The CHIP hubs the place we’re now having CHIP hubs in locations to do new manufacturing and new analysis that had been not noted earlier than: Missoula, Montana, Bloomington, Indiana. The invoice reducing the price of pharmaceuticals. As of January 1st, 10 of the preferred pharmaceuticals can be tremendously lowered as a result of we lastly allowed below our management the drug firms, we compelled them to barter with Medicare. So, we did loads of good issues. But all too typically, Kristen, we talked in regards to the mechanics of the laws and the main points of the laws. And we actually did not present the sort of empathy and concern to common – or present sufficient of it – to common working households who did not notice how a lot we had completed and the way a lot we look after them. So, what we will do is spend loads of time speaking to working households, displaying them how a lot we care about them, and never simply speak about laws however speak in regards to the circumstances which have made so many working households apprehensive about their futures. And that is going to be a big change.
KRISTEN WELKER:
And clearly –
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
I believe it’s going to – it’s going to make a distinction.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Obviously, there was loads of concentrate on President Biden’s function on this. You had been clearly in shut contact with President Biden nicely earlier than the general public tuned into that debate that finally led to him stepping down. I need to play you a bit of little bit of one thing you stated final yr. Take a glance.
[START TAPE]
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
I speak to President Biden, you understand, commonly, typically a number of occasions in every week, or normally a number of occasions in every week. His psychological acuity is nice. It’s high quality. It’s pretty much as good as it has been through the years. All this right-wing propaganda that his psychological acuity has declined is fallacious.
[END TAPE]
KRISTEN WELKER:
Leader Schumer, what do you say to Americans who really feel as if you and different prime Democrats misled them about President Biden’s psychological acuity?
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
No. Look, we did not. And let’s – let’s look – let’s have a look at President Biden. He’s had a tremendous file. The laws we handed, one of the vital important teams of laws because the New Deal – since Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society, placing in 235 judges, a file. And he is a patriot. He’s an amazing man. And when he stepped down, he did it on his personal as a result of he thought it was higher not just for the Democratic Party, for America. We ought to all salute him. We ought to all salute him.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Do you are feeling, as we now have this dialog right this moment, that President Biden may serve one other 4 years, had he stayed within the race and doubtlessly received?
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
Well, I’m not going to take a position. As I stated, I believe his file is a stellar one. And he’ll go down in historical past as a very excellent president.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Before I allow you to go, Leader Schumer, in two weeks you can be the highest-ranking Democratic serving in Washington. Do you consider you can be the chief of the Democratic Party?
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
Look, I believe we now have loads of nice leaders in our get together. We have an amazing bench of individuals arising. And I’m actually optimistic about the way forward for the Democratic Party sooner or later. As I stated, there are particular changes we now have to make. We’re going to do these. And I believe individuals are going to appreciate that the Democratic Party is the get together of working households, of working folks. We’re doing extra for them. We’re going to point out them that a few of these Republican issues like tax cuts for the very rich people, which had been – they – they did it in 2017, they usually misplaced the election in 2018. They have not realized. But we will maintain their toes to the fireplace after they do issues that damage working folks. We’re going to face with the working households of America. And that is going to bode very nicely for us.
KRISTEN WELKER:
All proper. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Thank you a lot. I hope you may come again once more –
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER:
Thank you.
KRISTEN WELKER:
– quickly. Really respect speaking to you this morning. And after we come again, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California joins me subsequent.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Welcome again. As we strategy Monday’s anniversary of the January sixth assaults, President Biden this previous week awarded the nation’s second-highest civilian award, the Presidential Citizens Medal, to the leaders of the January sixth Committee, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Congressman Bennie Thompson. And Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California, who’s one other member of that committee, joins me now. Senator Schiff, welcome again to Meet the Press.
SEN. ADAM SCHIFF:
Great to be with you.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Great to have you ever right here. Happy New Year. Thank you for being right here.
SEN. ADAM SCHIFF:
Happy New Year.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Tomorrow, as we simply stated, does mark the anniversary of the January sixth assaults. And in my interview with President-elect Trump, he stated that he does plan to pardon those that attacked the Capitol, doubtlessly even those that pleaded responsible of their crimes. You heard Leader Thune say that is finally a choice for the president to make. How do you reply to that?
SEN. ADAM SCHIFF:
Well, initially, that day after we peacefully transferred energy, traditionally, peacefully transferred energy is an actual solemn event, I believe for the entire nation. But it has one other that means now, that we had this horrible violent assault 4 years in the past. For these of us that had been there within the Capitol it’ll be, I believe, fairly an emotional expertise to be again in that setting on that day. I invited Daniel Hodges, one of many Metropolitan law enforcement officials who was being crushed in that revolving door to remind folks of what that day was actually like, given all of the revisionist historical past round it. But if the president goes ahead with pardoning huge numbers of individuals concerned in that violence, he’ll start his new administration the best way he ended his final administration. And that’s by celebrating violence in opposition to our democracy. I believe that will be a horrible begin, ship a horrible message about our democracy, about lawlessness, about individuals who attacked law enforcement officials. It’d be precisely the fallacious message and the fallacious option to begin out an administration.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Let me ask you about one thing else the President-elect stated to me. He stated that he believes everybody who was on the committee ought to go to jail. That consists of you. Senator Schiff, are you bracing to be focused by the president-elect, by his incoming administration?
SEN. ADAM SCHIFF:
You know what? I do not assume any of us actually know what he means by any of that. Whether he is severe about it or whether or not it is his sort of Trumpian hyperbole, or what it’s. All of us on the committee, I believe, are very pleased with the work that we did. We stand behind it. I’m glad to see President Biden acknowledge the function of our Chairman Bennie Thompson and Liz Cheney. Adam Kinzinger, I believe additionally, as a Republican, confirmed nice braveness. And the witnesses that got here earlier than the committee had been so highly effective as a result of they had been Republicans, as a result of they put the nation first. So who is aware of what the president means? I suppose we’ll discover out. But we stand behind our work.
KRISTEN WELKER:
There’s been loads of speak about whether or not President Biden ought to challenge preemptive pardons to those that served on the committee. You’ve been very public about saying you don’t need a preemptive pardon. I’m wondering, Senator, have you ever conveyed that on to the president himself, to his administration?
SEN. ADAM SCHIFF:
Not on to the president, however I’ve conveyed it to the administration. And the priority that I’ve, which is what I conveyed, is the precedent that it might set, that you’ve an outgoing president giving a broad group of pardons to members of his get together or others. Because I believe the precedent may very well be abused. Now, folks have rightly identified Donald Trump might abuse that precedent regardless. But the concept every administration hereafter offers broad pardons to individuals who labored within the administration or aligned with the administration, I do not assume that is a street we need to go down. But the president will do what the president does. And if he goes ahead I’m certain will probably be responding to those baseless arguments of Donald Trump and the threats to retaliate in opposition to folks.
KRISTEN WELKER:
We realized this week that sentencing can be scheduled for President-elect Trump in that hush cash case. The choose has stated he isn’t going to hunt jail time. That sentencing goes to occur a bit of bit afterward this week. Do you agree with that call, to not search jail time?
SEN. ADAM SCHIFF:
What I’ve all the time stated about what the choose ought to do vis-a-vis sentencing, and admittedly the entire technique of that case, is he ought to deal with Donald Trump as he would some other felony defendant charged with like offenses. So if the choose concluded that another person charged with an analogous offense, of fraudulent enterprise information to hide a marketing campaign finance violation, and that will result in no jail time, then he ought to get no jail time. But I significantly concur along with his choice to go ahead with the sentencing. The federal justice system actually let down the nation. The Supreme Court actually did. It did not well timed examine and prosecute the offenses round January sixth. I believe New York has demonstrated, frankly, how the justice system must function. No one needs to be above the legislation.
KRISTEN WELKER:
So a lot of your time in Congress was spent principally conducting oversight over then President Trump for a variety of various causes. The Russia investigation, Ukraine, after which January sixth. Given that the 2 federal instances, as you simply referenced, have been dropped for now, how targeted as a senator will you be on overseeing oversight of Donald Trump’s actions?
SEN. ADAM SCHIFF:
Well, loads of that may rely upon what the president’s actions are. Does he take a distinct strategy within the second administration, or does he, as soon as once more, attempt to abuse the powers of his workplace?
KRISTEN WELKER:
Will you proceed to concentrate on his election interference?
SEN. ADAM SCHIFF:
Well, my focus goes to be on getting issues completed for the folks of California and the nation, and significantly on the financial system. I do know I’m going to need to face very early on these tax cuts for wealthy folks and for giant companies. What the voters in California elected me to do was to attempt to convey down the price of dwelling, the price of housing, the price of little one care. Not to present tax breaks to very rich folks or companies. So my focus is on the financial system. You know, to your query earlier about James Carville, I believe James Carville was proper. I believe it’s nonetheless in regards to the financial system. I believe we misplaced the argument on the financial system. We have to win that argument. We want to influence the American folks, as soon as once more, that we’re targeted, initially, on delivering for them. And which means serving to them with their small companies, serving to them pay their hire or their mortgage. That’s going to be my first precedence. But you understand, if the president is attempting to remove the rights and freedoms of the American folks or abusing his workplace, I’m actually going to face up and defend our nation and our Constitution.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Let’s speak rapidly in regards to the president-elect’s cupboard picks. Kash Patel for FBI director. That comes in opposition to the backdrop of this newest terror assault in New Orleans. You, after all, serve on the judiciary committee. If Kash Patel is confirmed, will you have the ability to work with him? You’ve been fairly essential of him.
SEN. ADAM SCHIFF:
Well, initially, Kash Patel shouldn’t be confirmed. And I believe the terrorist assault in New Orleans, and my coronary heart goes out to those that have misplaced family members in that assault, simply underscores once more the significance of getting somebody directing the FBI that has expertise, that has judgment, that has character, that may prioritize defending the nation in opposition to the violence we noticed in New Orleans or the violence we noticed on January sixth. Not somebody whose prime precedence is political vendettas, who believes in deep-state conspiracy pondering, not somebody who’s as unqualified as Kash Patel. So Kash Patel’s a straightforward one. He shouldn’t be confirmed. The others, you understand, some…look, Marco Rubio, I believe well-qualified, a number of of the opposite nominees. Again, we must always observe that common course of that almost all chief has laid out. But that one needs to be a straightforward one.
KRISTEN WELKER:
All proper. Senator Adam Schiff, thanks a lot for being right here in particular person. We actually respect it.
SENATOR ADAM SCHIFF:
Thank you.
KRISTEN WELKER:
All proper, sit up for hopefully speaking to you once more quickly. When we come again, because the nation mourns the dying of former President Jimmy Carter, we glance again at his message to a divided nation. Our Meet the Press minute is subsequent. Stay with us.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Welcome again. Former President Jimmy Carter – the longest-living president in US historical past – is mendacity in repose within the Carter Center in Atlanta after he handed away final Sunday, practically two years after being admitted into hospice care. Jimmy Carter joined this broadcast eleven occasions. In 1976, he talked about desirous to bridge the nation’s divides simply days earlier than changing into the Democratic nominee in his first run for president:
[BEGIN TAPE]
FMR. GOV. JIMMY CARTER:
I believe the American folks resent being put in bins, and I’ve all the time prevented that myself. Obviously, because the starting of this calendar yr, because the Iowa Caucus approached, I’ve been closely coated by the information media, and it’s not potential for me to make a distinct assertion in Iowa than the one I make in New Hampshire or Florida. I believe these sharp variations that used to exist between the liberal and conservative components of our society have fairly nicely been eliminated, so after I say I’m going to handle the federal government in a tricky, competent, businesslike means and likewise cope with the delicate wants of our folks on human rights, civil rights, good environmental high quality, I do not consider there may be as a lot alienation of teams as there was earlier than.
[END TAPE]
KRISTEN WELKER:
President Carter was 100 years outdated.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Welcome again. The panel is right here. NBC News Managing Washington Editor Carol Lee, Jonathan Martin, Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist for Politico, Symone Sanders Townsend, former chief spokesperson to Vice President Harris and co-host of The Weekend, and Marc Short, former chief of workers to Vice President Mike Pence. Thanks to all of you for being right here on a really busy Sunday. Carol, let me kick it off with you. You heard Senate Majority Leader John Thune say that his relationship with President-elect Trump is evolving. I assumed it was an enchanting reply, and it sort of underscores I believe what we’re all going to be expecting, how difficult is it for the Trump agenda to get handed.
CAROL LEE:
That’s proper. And he basically described this as a enterprise relationship, saying that they’ve shared targets in relation to reaching the coverage agenda. And that is what is going on to bind them. But whether or not they can obtain these targets is basically what issues. And Trump has set very excessive expectations with the American those who he’ll get loads completed actually quick with a Republican Senate, House, and White House. And what you heard from Thune was a bit of extra measured, a bit of extra pragmatism about what is definitely going to be potential. And so, you understand, how this relationship evolves is basically going to rely upon whether or not in Trump’s view Thune is delivering for him. And if he isn’t, then you are going to see the president-elect trying to blame somebody, and Thune might discover himself on the receiving finish of that.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Jonathan, speak about excessive expectations. President-elect Trump has conveyed to the brand new House speaker he needs to get border, taxes, commerce completed multi functional large invoice. And all of it comes after House Speaker Mike Johnson barely received the gavel again.
JONATHAN MARTIN:
It’s all in a day’s work, Kristen. Yeah, precisely. Look, Donald Trump has not been identified to simply accept blame for, nicely, something in any respect, and the clock is operating. And I believe there’s an enormous problem forward for John Thune however particularly Mike Johnson due to the character of the House majority and due to the coalition that Johnson is attempting to juggle within the House. Look, Donald Trump goes to need victories and need victories quick. And to John Thune’s credit score, that is why I believe Thune needed to do two large payments as a result of he needed to get Trump an enormous victory first on the border and on vitality and on protection spending. But I believe Trump has come to the conclusion, “These guys in Congress can solely do one large invoice and that is what we will need to do.” But whenever you try this, you deny Trump a quick early win and that units up a troublesome spring and summer season I believe for Johnson and Thune, Johnson particularly, as a result of Trump’s going to get actually impatient. “Where’s my invoice?”
KRISTEN WELKER:
Yes, it is a large, large take a look at. Marc, you perceive legislative affairs higher than most. I imply, can this get completed, this large, huge invoice that Trump –
MARC SHORT:
No –
KRISTEN WELKER:
– needs?
MARC SHORT:
– I hate agreeing with J. Mart, however, sure, I believe he obtained it proper. It is –
JONATHAN MARTIN:
It’s okay, Marc –
MARC SHORT:
– going to create an expectation that is troublesome. I believe there’s going to be stress on Thune to start with with the nominations to get confirmed, however getting two funds reconciliation payments completed was all the time inconceivable and I believe Speaker Johnson was proper to encourage the president to go to at least one invoice. But that invoice’s going to take a very long time to place collectively. And within the meantime, this spring you are going to have a debt ceiling battle, you are going to have one other persevering with decision. They ought to have handed one persevering with decision for your complete yr. Pushing off simply to March creates an unlimited battle for Speaker Johnson. And, as Johnson stated, I believe there’s going to be loads of stress if that invoice fails to fund the federal government that then the president’s going accountable Speaker Johnson for that.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Sure is an enormous first take a look at. Symone, let’s speak in regards to the Democrats. I assumed the dialog with Leader Schumer was fascinating. I requested him if he thought President Biden may serve one other 4 years. He sort of pivoted, did not reply that instantly. There’s clearly loads of soul looking out occurring proper now within the Democratic Party. What did you make of what we heard from Leader Schumer?
SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND:
Well, I used to be very stunned that whenever you requested the query about psychological acuity he did not extra forcefully push again. The query on the desk is, “Is – is the president all the best way there?” And the reply is unequivocally sure. Now, folks can say that you simply really feel as if President Biden could be a bit of too outdated to do the job, however he’s doing the job. And his psychological acuity is there. So, I believe that there is a conflation of two issues right here: his psychological capability and serving one other 4 years as outdated as he’s. But these are two separate issues in my view. And, look, these those who have identified Joe Biden their total political lives, I do know Joe Biden is like, “Can you all simply please defend me a bit of extra?”
JONATHAN MARTIN:
Well, it is not value defending him although as a result of at each flip the final yr and a half he has taken the trail of probably the most indulgent flip for himself relatively than the nice of the get together by operating once more, by pardoning his son, and now, frankly, by a few of these decisions for Medal of Freedom, going to Rome for one final journey. He’s not exiting in a means that I believe displays nicely on his get together. And Democrats are deeply, deeply sad about it, and they need to be frankly –
SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND:
I might simply say there’s one factor in regards to the president –
MARC SHORT:
– And I believe it damage Democrats – it damage Democrats in November to attempt to inform the American folks one thing they may see with their very own eyes wasn’t true.
SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND:
But it is not true that the president does not have the psychological acuity.
MARC SHORT:
Of course it’s, Symone. The American folks noticed that for themselves in debate –
SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND:
What are you saying? He can at the least put a sentence collectively. The president–
MARC SHORT:
Are you certain –
SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND:
–elect is the one I’m involved about. Yes, as a result of I lately spoke to the president. But let me simply say this factor in regards to the Democrats. With buddies like these, okay, the Democratic buddies that Joe Biden has had, I do assume that he understands the character of the place issues are going, which is why he pardoned his son as a result of the president-elect has been very clear about his ire and what he needs to do to his son. So, after every part Joe Biden has completed do you actually anticipate him to exit on the excessive observe for his final surviving son as a result of Chuck Schumer would really like it to be so?
KRISTEN WELKER:
Let’s speak in regards to the observe he’ll exit on. You have new reporting, Carol, he’ll be giving two main speeches.
CAROL LEE:
He is. He’s not going to be taking questions from the press in a press convention, so far as we all know to date –
JONATHAN MARTIN:
Which is extraordinary.
CAROL LEE:
– But he’s delivering two totally different speeches, first one –
KRISTEN WELKER:
It’s a break with custom–
JONATHAN MARTIN:
– Yeah, yeah.
CAROL LEE:
–on international coverage, which is his wheelhouse. He’s going to speak about America’s alliances, the significance of that. The second one, a farewell deal with the place he’ll have a message for the American folks in regards to the future, speak about his legacy. But actually it is a possibility for him to have one last second on the nationwide stage earlier than he exits after greater than 50 years in public workplace –
JONATHAN MARTIN:
But the truth that he isn’t conducting interviews or taking questions from the press as he leaves workplace –
CAROL LEE:
Is an enormous shift –
SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND:
I agree with that –
JONATHAN MARTIN:
– is a large shift. And additionally, after he turned the White House over to Donald Trump by operating once more at age 82 and there is not any accountability for it of any sort? I believe it is exceptional.
KRISTEN WELKER:
Marc, let me shift gears a bit of bit and speak in regards to the anniversary tomorrow, January sixth. You had been within the Capitol on that day. Obviously, I’m certain the day comes with loads of ideas, feelings for you. And it does come as we’re watching and ready to see if President-elect Trump does determine to maneuver ahead with what he stated, that he’ll pardon those that attacked the Capitol on day one he advised me in my interview with him.
MARC SHORT:
I anticipate that he’ll. I believe he is been fairly clear that that is his intention. I believe that President Trump has a exceptional capacity to sort of inform a story and get American folks to need to observe that narrative. I believe it is essential to keep in mind that on the day of January sixth, he was so disturbed by the occasions that he referred to them as Antifa protesters. Over the course of historical past, previous few years, they now grew to become American patriots. And I believe that it is essential to keep in mind that most of the people who find themselves incarcerated for assaulting police had been put there by Trump-appointed judges who heard the proof. And so I anticipate that he’ll go ahead with pardons. I believe there are most likely some individuals who obtained caught up within the Capitol and issues they should not have been caught up in. But to see a Republican president pardon individuals who bodily assaulted law enforcement officials I believe is a gigantic departure from Republicans’ positions on legislation and order.
KRISTEN WELKER:
And loads of them pleaded responsible to that as nicely. It’s a very good level. Symone, what are you going to be expecting? And I talked to Senator Schiff about oversight. How a lot is he going to be targeted on oversight versus truly attempting to control, potential work throughout the aisle?
SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND:
Look, I believe Democrats within the Senate and the House, they need to discover methods to control as a result of they need wins in order that they can also doubtlessly take again energy within the midterm election. However, I believe the truth of the scenario is, is that a few of the issues they only will not have the ability to come collectively on in relation to the House particularly due to Mike Johnson’s aggressive means of desirous to take up Donald Trump’s agenda.
KRISTEN WELKER:
All proper, you guys. Great dialog, very spirited, thanks a lot, to kick off the brand new yr. That is all for right this moment. Thank you for watching. We’ll be again subsequent week as a result of if it is Sunday, it is Meet The Press.
