Trump Says He Never Promised 'No New Wars'

President Trump now says a central theme of his assurances to voters was never actually a promise. In a Meet the Press interview that aired Sunday, Trump rejected the idea that he ever pledged "no new wars," telling NBC's Kristen Welker, "I didn't promise anything." He argued that his push to build what he called the "strongest military in the world" undercuts the notion that he guaranteed he'd avoid fighting. Trump insisted he dislikes "endless wars" but cast the current confrontation with Iran as short term, saying, "We're there for a few months and the threat is largely over." Later in the interview, Trump walked out after Welker pressed him for evidence on his claims that elections were rigged, per the BBC.

The comments about wars contrast with his past statements, Politico points out. On the 2024 campaign trail, Trump told supporters, "I will not send you to fight and die in stupid foreign wars that never end," and later said: "I'm not going to start a war. I'm going to stop wars." His official White House biography likewise listed ending "endless wars" as a priority, and the AP points out that "no new wars" was a refrain in Trump's 2024 campaign. In the interview, Trump denied the US is at war with Iran and said he doesn't "define" the situation, "I don't think about it. I just do what I have to do." Trump also was asked about:

• $1.8 billion fund: Although his acting attorney general has said the plan for what the administration calls an anti-weaponization fund has been dropped, Trump declined to rule it out. He said those who pleaded guilty in the Capitol riot did so "because they were frightened" before making a series of accusations about the attack without providing evidence, per the Guardian. People prosecuted were victims of politically motivated cases, he said, and "should be compensated." Asked if the rioters who assaulted officers should receive money, he replied, "I wouldn't be inclined to say so, but I have to see it."
• Elections: The president said last week's primary elections in California, as well as the 2020 presidential election he lost to Joe Biden, were "rigged." Asked for proof, Trump said, "All I have to do is look, and I listen," per the BBC. When Welker replied, "that's not evidence," Trump accused NBC of being "crooked"; said, "I've had enough"; dropped his microphone to the floor; and walked out.

• Aftermath: At an event in Wisconsin on Friday, the day the interview was taped, Trump told the crowd, "I got a little bit angry" during the interview because it was raining, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Trump and Welker were in a barn, and the taping was interrupted several times by technical difficulties and rain making a racket on the metal roof. "I've sat in the rain with you for an hour," Trump said as he left. Still, he told the Wisconsin gathering, "We had a good time." NBC News later posted a transcript of the interview here, and a fact check here.