US-POLITICS-TRUMP-INAUGURATION

In his first presidential interview, President Trump spoke with Fox News’ Sean Hannity. Here are key points from the first segment, broadcast Wednesday.

Trump advocates for Biden investigations

President Trump expressed his desire for investigations into former President Joe Biden.

Following his own indictments—one related to hush money payments and another concerning attempts to overturn the 2020 election—President Trump indicated to Hannity that he believes Biden should face similar scrutiny.

He stated, “It’s really hard to say that they shouldn’t have to go through it also.”

Biden pardoned his siblings and their spouses before leaving office, a move Trump described as setting a “precedent” for his own actions.

Trump threatens to withhold California aid

President Trump suggested to Hannity that California’s approach to water management needs to change, hinting at a connection to rebuilding efforts in fire-damaged areas. He and other Republicans have floated the idea of linking federal aid to their policy priorities.

Trump indicated he might withhold aid to California until the state alters its water resource management.

Trump incorrectly asserted that California’s fish conservation measures are responsible for water shortages impacting fire suppression efforts.

“I don’t think we should give California anything until they let the water run down,” he stated.

Local officials have refuted Trump’s claim, attributing the water shortages to high demand on an insufficient municipal water system, not conservation efforts for the delta smelt.

Trump criticizes FEMA and seeks reform

President Trump voiced his intention to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claiming it hinders recovery efforts following recent storms in the southeast and wildfires in California.

Trump told Hannity, “I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems.” He provided no specifics about his proposed reforms, only mentioning that it “going to be a whole big discussion very shortly.”

President Trump plans his first presidential trip Friday to assess storm damage in North Carolina and wildfire damage in Los Angeles.