Trump stands firm on agenda
PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Trump has vowed to move aggressively on a conservative agenda in filling Supreme Court vacancies, cracking down on immigration and cutting taxes, but also sought to reassure worried Americans they have nothing to fear from his presidency.
Setting aside the strident tone of his campaign, the 70-year-old assumed a gentler manner in his first television interview since his shock election, saying he was “saddened” by reports of harassment of Muslims and Hispanics, and telling the perpetrators: “Stop It.”
The interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, which was taped on Friday and aired in full on Sunday, offered Trump an opportunity to reintroduce himself after an ugly, namecalling campaign and surprise victory that sparked protests in cities across the United States.
“I just don’t think they know me,” the billionaire real estate mogul said at one point, of the thousands of protesters who have massed in streets below his Trump Tower headquarters.
Told that many Americans are scared of his presidency, Trump said: “Don’t be afraid. We are going to bring our country back.”
Millions were expected to tune in to Trump’s interview for clues on how the billionaire will govern, and to what degree he intends to convert his slogans into policy.
Trump earlier on Sunday named anti-establishment firebrand Steve Bannon his top strategist and senior CONTINUED
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