President Donald Trump engaged in a tense exchange with ABC News journalist Terry Moran during an interview marking his first 100 days back in office. The discussion was marked by challenges to the reporter’s credibility and dismissals of questions on key issues.
Airing as a primetime special, the interview featured repeated clashes between Trump and Moran, particularly concerning Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident deported to El Salvador despite a court order preventing his deportation.
Moran questioned Trump on debunked claims that Abrego Garcia was affiliated with the MS-13 gang. Trump referenced a photo he had shared, which he claimed showed gang tattoos on Abrego Garcia’s knuckles.
“Wait a minute, wait a minute. He had MS-13 on his knuckles,” Trump insisted during the discussion.
Trump informed Moran that ABC was offering him a significant opportunity, admitting he chose Moran because he was unfamiliar with him. The president further remarked on Moran’s demeanor, suggesting it was not polite.
As Moran attempted to shift the conversation to other subjects, Trump persistently revisited the photograph, urging the journalist to recognize what he considered clear evidence. Moran proposed the image might have been altered and attempted to steer the discussion toward Ukraine, but Trump firmly refused to change topics.
Trump expressed dissatisfaction with media coverage, asserting that such reporting contributes to public distrust in the news. He maintained that the photograph clearly indicated Abrego Garcia’s gang affiliation, despite other images lacking MS-13 markings.
Law enforcement experts and researchers have challenged Trump’s assertions regarding the tattoos, stating they do not conclusively prove MS-13 membership. Reports suggest Abrego Garcia is currently detained in a Salvadoran facility for non-gang members.
The discussion continued as Moran questioned Trump about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who faced criticism for using Signal, a non-approved messaging app, to share classified information about planned strikes on Houthi rebels.
Trump defended Hegseth, describing him as talented, young, smart, and highly educated, and anticipated he would be a great Defense Secretary. When asked about his confidence in Hegseth, Trump dismissed the inquiry as foolish.
Trump acknowledged speaking with Hegseth about the issue but refused to disclose details, telling Moran that he was unlikely to share their conversation.
The interview also addressed Trump’s controversial deportation policies and Abrego Garcia’s case. Despite his administration’s legal arguments about lacking authority to return Abrego Garcia as directed by the Supreme Court, Trump conceded during the interview that facilitating the man’s return was possible.
Moran suggested Trump could contact the President of El Salvador to request Abrego Garcia’s return. Trump acknowledged this possibility, conditional on Abrego Garcia’s character matching Moran’s description.
Trump maintained that his administration could not feasibly provide hearings or due process for all individuals targeted for deportation, despite Supreme Court mandates for such protections.
The interview highlighted ongoing legal challenges faced by the Trump administration over immigration enforcement, particularly concerning deportations of individuals with pending court cases or judicial protections.
The exchange underscored growing tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary over immigration policy, with several federal judges expressing concern over perceived non-compliance with court orders.
In Abrego Garcia’s case, a federal judge has repeatedly ordered his return to the United States, yet progress has been minimal. The administration claims certain information is protected as state secrets, complicating resolution efforts.
Throughout the conversation, Trump criticized media coverage of his administration, specifically targeting ABC as one of the least favorable news outlets.
Moran, contrary to Trump’s claim of unfamiliarity, is an award-winning journalist with a long tenure at ABC News. He has covered major events, including the Bush v. Gore Supreme Court decision, and conducted several interviews with former President Barack Obama. Moran previously served as ABC’s London-based chief foreign correspondent before returning to the U.S. for political coverage.
The interview also addressed Trump’s tariff policies, with the president defending his 145% tariffs on China (before they were lowered days later) against Moran’s concerns about consumer price increases. Trump asserted that China would absorb most costs, dismissing economic warnings about potential impacts on U.S. households.
When asked about U.S. military aid to Ukraine and potential cessation if peace talks failed, Trump avoided a direct answer, stating he preferred to keep his intentions secret for leverage in international negotiations.