ALBAWABA - Trump has declared that he, and he alone, will set the parameters of presidential power, hinting at a more aggressive use of military force.
In an interview with The New York Times, published Thursday, the US President made it clear that his foreign policy would be shaped by his own judgment and a willingness to use military might, rather than by international law or global agreements.
When asked about any legal limitations on his actions abroad, Trump stated that his "personal morals" were the only real constraints. He further explained that while the United States might officially recognize international law, he would ultimately decide when and how it applied, pointing out the differing interpretations of such laws
Venezuela, Greenland, and Alliances
Trump's remarks followed closely on the heels of what he characterized as a swift operation resulting in the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He also issued fresh warnings to various nations and revived his rhetoric regarding Greenland, the self-governing Arctic territory.
When asked if preserving military alliances—especially NATO—was a higher priority than acquiring Greenland, Trump indicated that both were possibilities. He added that NATO would be rendered ineffective without American participation. He further stated that control over Greenland held psychological significance for American success.
Trump also downplayed the post–World War II international system, viewing it as an unwelcome constraint on US power. He dismissed worries that leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping or Russian President Vladimir Putin might employ similar justifications for actions against the United States.
Deterrence and Taiwan
The president has stated that he deliberately projects an image of unpredictability and a willingness to use military force, aiming to influence other countries. When asked if US actions in Venezuela could encourage China to take action against Taiwan, Trump responded that this wouldn't happen during his presidency.
He contended that Beijing sees the Taiwan situation in a different light and asserted that he had explicitly communicated his disapproval of any Chinese aggression, implying that such a move might only be contemplated by a future US administration.
Planned Operations Against Drug Cartels
In a Fox News interview, Trump outlined his intentions for ground operations targeting drug cartels. He didn't specify where these operations would occur, but he did mention Mexico, a nod to recent US actions against suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Trump painted a grim picture, stating that criminal organizations now hold sway over vast areas of Mexico, calling the situation tragic. He also disclosed that he'd pressed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to permit US troops to operate within Mexico's borders, a request he claimed had been turned down before.
US officials have reported that over 100 people have died since September in strikes aimed at vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
