Trump says he doesn't know if he has to uphold Constitution: 5 takeaways from interview

President Trump said during a wide-ranging interview Sunday that he does not know if he has to uphold the Constitution.

When asked by “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker on NBC, Trump deferred to Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the Supreme Court deportation battle and said “I don’t know” when asked about his need to uphold the Constitution. 

Here are five takeaways from the interview that aired just after Trump’s 100th day back in office: 

Trump on upholding the US Constitution

When Welker asked whether he must uphold the Constitution regarding deportations, the president replied, “I don’t know.” 

“I have to respond by saying, again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said,” Trump replied. “What you said is not what I heard the Supreme Court said. They have a different interpretation.”

Welker then asked whether Trump agreed with his Secretary of State Marco Rubio over due process. Rubio said last week that “of course” citizens and noncitizens are entitled to due process.

Trump again said he didn’t know because he is “not a lawyer.”

Welker pressed Trump, citing the Fifth Amendment, which protects individuals from various forms of government action. 

Trump responded, “I don’t know. It seems — it might say that,” then said he was elected to get “dangerous” people out of the country. 

The president’s remarks were criticized by Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote online that Trump had “admitted” he was unsure if he needs to uphold the Constitution, calling the remarks “as un-American as it gets.”

The president's comments come as the administration is locked in a legal battle over the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The Supreme Court ordered the administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. from an El Salvador prison, but the White House has yet to move on the issue, arguing the word “facilitate” left wiggle room.

Possibility of running for a third term

Welker noted during the interview that the Trump Organization is selling hats with “Trump 2028” printed on them. She questioned if the president is “seriously considering” running for a third term, despite it being “prohibited by the Constitution.” 

“I will say this: So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that. But it’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do,” Trump said. “I don’t know if that’s constitutional that they’re not allowing you to do it or anything else. But there are many people selling the 2028 hat.” 

Trump also said he was looking to have “four great years and turn it over to someone,” ideally a “great Republican.” 

Trump added it’s too early to say who would become his successor, but said Vice President Vance is doing a “fantastic job.” He named Vance and Rubio as possible successors, but he didn’t yet “‘want to get involved” with making a ranked list.

Trump takes credit for good economy, blames Biden for bad

Welker questioned Trump, who has said the economy is still reeling from former President Biden’s term, if he could claim credit for positive reports.

“Well, I think certain aspects of it are. Costs are. I was able to get down the costs. But even that, it takes a while to get them down, but we got them down good,” he said. 

Trump took credit for the positive parts of the economy and blamed Biden for the lagging parts. His remarks come as voters express increasing concern over the country’s economic outlook amid Trump’s tariff implementation. 

He also acknowledged the stock market has been in flux since his “Liberation Day” tariff announcement. He took responsibility for “everything,” but said he’s only been back in office a short time and tariffs have “just started kicking in.”  

Standing by remark about dolls

Trump was asked about a comment he made earlier in the week about his tariff agenda and how children could have fewer toys as trading partners are hit with steep tariffs. 

“Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally. But we’re not talking about something that we have to go out of our way,” Trump said, referring to the trade war with China. 

Welker noted Trump’s comment got a lot of attention. She questioned if the president was acknowledging that prices of some goods will go up due to his tariffs.

“No. I think tariffs are going to be great for us because it’s going to make us rich,” he replied. 

“But you said some dolls are going to cost more,” Welker said. 

“Sure,” Trump replied.

Welker and Trump began talking over each other, with the host questioning if the president was acknowledging some prices would go up. 

“I don’t think that a beautiful baby girl needs — that’s 11 years old — needs to have 30 dolls. I think they can have three dolls or four dolls, because what we were doing with China was just unbelievable,” Trump said. “We had a trade deficit of hundreds of billions of dollars with China.” 

Welker again questioned Trump on the comment. He said he was saying children “don’t need to have 30 dolls.” Welker asked if Americans could see store shelves go empty due to the tariffs. 

“No. No, I’m not saying that,” he replied. “I’m just saying they don’t need to have 30 dolls. They can have three. They don’t need to have 250 pencils. They can have five.” 

Welker noted some prices for popular items are already going up. Trump disagreed and said the interview was already “dishonest.” The two argued over Trump’s campaign promise to lower prices on Day 1 and the transition period for his economic policies before Welker changed the subject.

Trump on potential recession: “Anything can happen” 

Welker asked if Trump was worried about a recession as concern grows that the tariff plan will plunge the U.S. into one in the coming months if the president doesn’t reverse course or make deals with other countries.

“Are you worried about a recession?” she asked. 

“No,” Trump said. 

“OK,” Welker replied. 

“No. No, I think we’re going to have the greatest economic,” Trump began. 

Welker interjected to question again, “Are you worried it could happen? Do you think it could happen?” 

“Anything can happen,” Trump replied. “But I think we’re going to have the greatest economy in the history of our country. I think we’re going to have the greatest economic boom in history.” 

Welker asked the president about concerns stemming from some on Wall Street and if he is comfortable with the country dipping into a recession so he can achieve his long-term goals. 

“Well, you know, you say, 'Some people on Wall Street say.' Well, I’ll tell you something else. Some people on Wall Street say that we’re going to have the greatest economy in history. Why don’t you talk about them? Because some people on Wall Street say this is the greatest thing that ever happened,” Trump said. 

Trump argued the U.S. is currently in a “transition period” and the country will do “fantastically.”