Donald Trump, in his first televised interview since being elected president, told NBC News that he is not committed to keeping the US in NATO and that he would seriously consider withdrawing from the alliance.

In particular, Trump said that “if they pay their bills, absolutely”, he will maintain America’s role in the alliance.

At the same time, the incoming US president pledged to make immediate and sweeping changes after taking office on January 20, and to pardon those convicted of the attack on the US Capitol.

Indeed, he noted that a pardon for the January 6 rioters would be granted on the first day, arguing that many had suffered too harsh treatment in prison.

“These people are living in hell,” he said.

Trump’s first post-election televised interview took place Friday at Trump Tower in Manhattan,

Trump, among other things, said he would work to extend tax cuts passed in his first term, while noting that he would not seek to impose restrictions on abortion pills.

On immigration, he reiterated that he plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and will seek to eliminate citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants born in the country.

Trump said he would fulfill a campaign promise to impose tariffs on imports from America’s biggest trading partners. Asked, in fact, by the reporter if he could “guarantee that American families will not pay more” as a result of his plan, he replied “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow.”

Trump also said he would not seek to replace Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell once he takes office.

Powell was appointed to this position by Trump in early 2018 to replace Janet Yellen, but then disagreed with him over the Fed’s economic policy. Democratic President Joe Biden kept Powell in that position.

Foreign policy

The day after the interview, Trump flew to Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which had been destroyed by fire.

After his arrival, he met privately with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who posted on social media that the three spoke about achieving a “just peace” in Ukraine’s war with Russia. Zelensky participated for about the last 10 minutes of the meeting, a Trump transition official said.

In the interview, Trump said he is actively trying to end the war “if I can,” adding that Ukraine can “possibly” expect not to receive as much military aid from the U.S. when he returns to the presidency.