WASHINGTON (AP) -- Donald Trump said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned.
The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere.
"Things do change," Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats.
Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices
Trump has threatened broad trade penalties but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. households won't be paying more as they shop.
"I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market.
That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich."
"All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said.
Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance
He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden.
"Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power.
The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot.
"I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer... But I'm not interested in that."At another point: - Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration: "No." - Suggested FBI investigations into political enemies: Unlikely. Yet: - Left matters up to Pam Bondi: "I want her to do what she wants." Such threats prompt top Democrats' consideration: - Biden issuing preemptive pardons. Campaign rhetoric backtrack: - Investigating Biden: "I'm not looking... past."
Swift action on immigration is coming
Trump repeatedly mentioned promises:- Seal U.S.-Mexico border- Deport millions through mass deportation program
I think you have...
- Executive action end birthright citizenship
Specific future inquiry:- People brought illegally as children shielded from deportation:
I want...
, indicating possible Congressional solution.
Yet:No breaking up families...
Sends all back together only way avoid separation.