A Candid Conversation with Donald J. Trump: An Exclusive Interview by S.J. Arnold
S.J. Arnold: President Trump, thank you for sitting down with me today. It’s been a few years since you left office, and a lot has happened since then. How have you been spending your time, and what’s been your focus recently?
Donald J. Trump: Thank you, S.J. It’s great to be here. I’ve been staying busy, that’s for sure. I’m always working, always fighting for the American people. Since leaving office, I’ve been focused on supporting conservative candidates across the country, speaking out against the Biden administration’s disastrous policies, and continuing to grow the America First movement. I’ve also been spending time with my family, which has been wonderful. We’re looking at some very exciting things coming up, so stay tuned.
S.J. Arnold: Your time in office was marked by a lot of achievements but also considerable controversy. Looking back, what do you consider your greatest accomplishments during your presidency?
Donald J. Trump: We did a lot of great things. We had the best economy this country has ever seen, with record-low unemployment, especially for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and women. We cut taxes, eliminated job-killing regulations, and brought American manufacturing back. We secured our border, something no one thought was possible, and we rebuilt the military. And let’s not forget Operation Warp Speed—getting a vaccine out in record time was a monumental achievement. It saved millions of lives. But beyond all that, I think our biggest accomplishment was showing people that it’s okay to love your country, to stand up for your values, and to put America first.
S.J. Arnold: You faced constant criticism from the media and your political opponents. How did you handle the relentless scrutiny and often hostile environment in Washington?
Donald J. Trump: I knew what I was getting into. Washington is a swamp, and the media is corrupt—totally biased. But you know what? I don’t let it get to me. I was elected to do a job, not to be liked by the fake news media. My focus was always on the American people, not the critics. I have thick skin, and I’m not afraid of a fight. I believe in being direct, speaking the truth, and not backing down. That’s how I’ve always operated, and that’s how I led as President.
S.J. Arnold: Immigration was one of the key issues during your presidency, and it continues to be a hot topic. How do you view the current situation at the border?
Donald J. Trump: What’s happening at the border right now is a complete disaster. We had it under control. We built nearly 500 miles of wall, ended catch-and-release, and put policies in place that actually worked. Now, it’s all been reversed, and we’re seeing the consequences: record numbers of illegal crossings, drugs pouring into our country, and total chaos. It’s a national security crisis. We need strong borders, period. A country without borders is not a country at all.
S.J. Arnold: One of the most polarizing moments of your presidency was your response to the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you reflect on your handling of the crisis?
Donald J. Trump: COVID was unprecedented, something the world hadn’t seen in over a hundred years. We were blindsided, but we moved quickly. I shut down travel from China early on, which saved countless lives. We ramped up testing, produced ventilators, and led the world in pandemic response. Operation Warp Speed was a historic success—no one thought we could get a vaccine out that quickly, but we did it. Of course, there were challenges, and the media loved to criticize, but I’m proud of how we handled it. We faced the crisis head-on and delivered results.
S.J. Arnold: You’ve often talked about “draining the swamp.” Do you think you succeeded, and what more needs to be done?
Donald J. Trump: We made a lot of progress, but there’s still a long way to go. The swamp is deep, and the corruption runs far and wide. We exposed a lot of it—the deep state, the corruption in the FBI, the phony Russia hoax. But Washington is a tough place, and the entrenched interests are powerful. What we need is more outsiders, more patriots who aren’t afraid to take on the establishment. I’m not done fighting, and neither are the millions of Americans who believe in the America First agenda.
S.J. Arnold: You remain a highly influential figure in the Republican Party. How do you see the future of the GOP, and what role do you plan to play?
Donald J. Trump: The Republican Party is stronger than ever, and it’s because of the America First movement. People want leaders who fight for them, who stand up to the radical left, and who put this country first. The future of the GOP is bright, and we have a lot of great people coming up. As for me, I’m focused on helping get the right people elected and making sure we take back the House, the Senate, and eventually the White House. I’m not ruling anything out. We’ll see what happens.
S.J. Arnold: There’s been a lot of speculation about whether you’ll run for President again in 2024. Can you give us any hints about your plans?
Donald J. Trump: Well, I can’t say too much right now, but I will tell you this: people want us to run. Everywhere I go, that’s the first thing people ask me. We’re looking at it very seriously, and I think you’re going to be very happy with our decision. We need strong leadership, and we need someone who’s going to stand up to China, secure our borders, and get our economy back on track. So stay tuned.
S.J. Arnold: Finally, looking back on your life and career, what do you want your legacy to be?
Donald J. Trump: I want to be remembered as a fighter, someone who never backed down and who always put America first. I didn’t do this for fame or fortune—I did it because I love this country, and I wanted to make a difference. We changed the conversation, we challenged the status quo, and we gave a voice to millions of Americans who felt forgotten. That’s a legacy I’m proud of.
S.J. Arnold: Thank you for your time, Mr. President. It’s been a fascinating conversation.
Donald J. Trump: Thank you, S.J. It’s been great talking with you. Keep up the good work.
This concludes our in-depth interview with Donald J. Trump, where we explored his past, present, and potential future in American politics. His reflections provide insight into a presidency that redefined political discourse and continue to influence the nation’s trajectory.
