Donald Trump held his first significant press conference since securing victory in the November election at Mar-a-Lago this past Monday, where he engaged with reporters for over an hour. In this high-stakes event, he reiterated some of his most controversial campaign promises, such as implementing widespread tariffs and mass deportations, while also making headlines for his take on various pressing issues.

The press conference coincided with SoftBank's ambitious plans to invest $100 billion in AI technology, but rather than focus solely on corporate matters, Trump navigated a wide array of topics from U.S. foreign policy to the mystery surrounding drones operating over New Jersey, and even his combative stance towards media critics. Here are some of the most shocking statements he made.

Concerning Vaccines:

Trump sparked controversy with his declaration that "there are problems" related to vaccines. His recent nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services raised eyebrows, especially among public health advocates. When pressed on whether he believes in a link between vaccinations and autism, Trump noted that "some very brilliant people" are investigating the matter. He cited a dramatic rise in autism prevalence over the past decades and pledged to uncover the reasons behind it.

“There is something wrong. And we are going to find out about it,” he declared, making it evident that he intends to prioritize this issue in his administration.

On Possible Pardons:

When asked whether he would consider pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams, currently facing serious legal troubles, Trump answered affirmatively. "Yeah, I would. I think he was treated pretty unfairly," he said, emphasizing that he would certainly look into the matter. Adams, indicted on various federal charges, has surprisingly allied himself with Trump, leading to speculation about their evolving relationship.

Litigating the Media:

The president-elect expressed his ambitions to take legal action against media entities, including social media influencers, as a response to perceived dishonesty. Following a recent defamation settlement with ABC News, Trump stated, “I think you have to do it because they’re very dishonest.” He particularly targeted the Des Moines Register and its pollster, indicating plans to file a lawsuit over what he termed “election interference” following a poll that inaccurately predicted his chances in Iowa.

Views on the Ukraine Conflict:

In a controversial turn, Trump hinted that Ukraine should consider ceding territories to Russia, emphasizing the destruction of several cities. He seemed to downplay the importance of territorial claims by referencing the devastation wrought by the ongoing conflict. “It’s rubble,” he lamented, suggesting that the cities are no longer habitable.

Mystery Drones Over New Jersey:

The speculation around drones observed flying over New Jersey reached new heights during Trump's conference. He claimed that “the government knows what is happening” regarding their origin but is withholding this information from the public. “If it was the enemy, they’d blast it out. Something strange is going on,” Trump asserted, igniting further intrigue over what is truly being kept secret from Americans.

As Trump heads into his new term, it's clear that he’s not shying away from controversy and remains unyielding in his views, ensuring that his presidency will be anything but ordinary. The events that transpired during this press conference are likely to set the tone for the unique challenges his administration will face in the coming years.