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Trump sits down with Times reporters for 2 hours
On Wednesday evening, January 7, 2026, President Trump held a wide-ranging, nearly two-hour interview with four New York Times reporters in the Oval Office.
The discussion covered a broad range of domestic and international issues following recent global turmoil.
Key highlights included:
Foreign Policy and Global Power
Venezuela: Trump detailed the recent U.S. operation that captured ex-president Nicolás Maduro. He stated the U.S. might oversee Venezuela for years and expressed interest in visiting the country.
Colombia Relations: During the interview, Trump took a nearly hour-long, off-the-record call from Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Global Ambitions: He discussed ongoing interests in annexing Greenland and his views on NATO and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Nuclear Strategy: Trump indicated that any future nuclear treaties replacing New START must include China.
Domestic Issues and Controversies
Minneapolis ICE Shooting: Reporters showed Trump a video of a fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman, Renee Nicole Good, by an ICE agent. Despite video evidence suggesting otherwise, Trump maintained that the victim was at fault.
Pardon Requests: Trump confirmed he had received a clemency request from imprisoned music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs but stated he is not currently considering a pardon.
Health and Lifestyle
Personal Health: Trump appeared “confident and animated,” boasting about his stamina and claiming he could have continued the interview for nine hours.
Obesity Drugs: He noted he has not used popular weight-loss drugs but remarked that he “probably should”.
White House Renovations: He shared plans for further renovations, including a model of a proposed White House ballroom.
The interview was conducted by Times reporters Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Tyler Pager, Katie Rogers, and David E. Sanger. The Times has published highlights and analysis, with a full transcript expected to follow.