Category: Foreign Policy

Trump Organization to Adopt Ethics Policy Allowing Foreign Deals

The Trump Organization is preparing to implement a new ethics policy that will not prohibit foreign business dealings, as revealed by a recent New York Times analysis. This decision allows the organization to pursue a variety of ventures globally, taking advantage of Donald Trump’s presidency without the restrictions that were previously in place.

Eric Trump, who is leading the company, is expected to avoid direct deals with foreign governments but has no intention to reinstate the original commitment to avoid all foreign deals made eight years ago. This shift will enable the organization to engage in international business activities that align with U.S. foreign policy interests.

In the lead-up to the election, Eric Trump engaged in real estate transactions in countries like Vietnam and Saudi Arabia, indicating a proactive approach to expanding the company’s global footprint. The Trump Organization is also exploring new opportunities in various regions, including the Middle East and Latin America.

Additionally, the Trump family is diversifying their business interests beyond real estate. They have recently launched a cryptocurrency platform, which has already attracted significant investments, including a notable deal with a Chinese entrepreneur. This venture could yield substantial financial returns for the family.

This new direction raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as the Trump Organization could operate without the constraints seen in the previous administration. The lack of a robust ethics plan may blur the boundaries between the Trump presidency and the family business, allowing for a broader range of foreign investments and deals.

(h/t: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/us/politics/trump-organization-plans-an-ethics-policy-without-banning-foreign-deals.html)

Trump’s Tariff Threats Reveal Authoritarianism

Donald Trump has issued a reckless threat of imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—if they attempt to establish a currency that rivals the US dollar. This declaration highlights Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, as he demands these countries refrain from creating alternatives to the US dollar, indicating a desperate attempt to maintain American economic dominance at any cost.

In his recent post on Truth Social, Trump showcases his willingness to use extreme measures to intimidate other nations into submission. This is a clear reflection of his administration’s history of bullying tactics in foreign policy, which undermines diplomatic relations and global cooperation.

The threats not only risk a trade war but also reveal Trump’s blatant disregard for international economic collaboration. The BRICS countries have been exploring alternatives to the dollar as part of their strategy to enhance economic independence, a move that Trump perceives as a direct challenge to his authority.

This approach is not just a blunder in foreign relations; it exposes a troubling pattern of Trump’s leadership style, characterized by aggression and a lack of respect for the principles of free trade. His fixation on tariffs could lead to retaliatory measures from these nations, resulting in a detrimental cycle that could harm not only American consumers but also businesses.

Ultimately, Trump’s threats against the BRICS nations serve as a reminder of his inability to adapt to the evolving global economic landscape. Rather than fostering collaboration, he resorts to intimidation, further alienating potential allies and showcasing his authoritarian agenda.

(h/t: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgrwj0p2dd9o)

Trump’s Tariff Threats Expose Authoritarian Agenda

Donald Trump has made a bold declaration, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on countries that attempt to move away from the US dollar, specifically targeting the BRICS nations. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump demanded that countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa commit to not creating a new currency to replace the US dollar. This move underscores his authoritarian tendencies and willingness to bully international partners to maintain America’s economic dominance.

Trump’s alarming rhetoric suggests a misunderstanding of global economics, as he confidently states that there is no chance the BRICS nations will successfully replace the US dollar in international trade. This assertion not only reveals his ignorance but also highlights his penchant for creating unnecessary conflict with foreign nations, undermining the diplomatic relations that are crucial for trade.

Moreover, Trump’s threats to cut off countries from the US economy if they consider alternatives to the dollar expose his reckless approach to foreign policy. By framing this issue as a zero-sum game, he disregards the complexities of international finance and the potential repercussions for American businesses and consumers.

In addition to his tirade against the BRICS, Trump also used the opportunity to boast about his conversations with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, further demonstrating his tendency to mix domestic and international issues for political gain. His insistence on discussing tariffs while addressing drug smuggling reveals a troubling prioritization of punitive measures over collaborative solutions.

Overall, Trump’s latest statements reflect a dangerous blend of authoritarianism and economic misunderstanding, which could have serious consequences for America’s standing in the global economy. His threats not only risk alienating potential allies but also jeopardize the stability of international trade that is vital for the U.S. economy.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-threatens-100-tariffs-against-countries-trying-to-move-away-from-us-dollar-wave-goodbye-to-america/)

Trump’s Shocking Nomination of Convicted Felon Charles Kushner as Ambassador to France

In a troubling move that raises serious ethical concerns, former President Donald Trump has appointed Charles Kushner, a convicted felon and his son-in-law’s father, as the U.S. Ambassador to France. This decision highlights Trump’s blatant disregard for the law and ethical governance, as Kushner has a notorious past that includes serious criminal convictions.

Charles Kushner’s criminal record is alarming; he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including tax evasion and witness retaliation, a fact that Trump seems to overlook in favor of nepotism. Trump’s decision to nominate him underscores a disturbing trend where loyalty and familial ties take precedence over qualifications and integrity in government appointments.

Despite Kushner’s criminal history, Trump claims he will be a “tremendous business leader and philanthropist.” This assertion is questionable given Kushner’s past actions, which included hiring a prostitute to undermine a federal witness. Such behavior is not the hallmark of a respectable ambassador who is meant to represent American values abroad.

The implications of Kushner’s appointment extend beyond personal scandal; they threaten to strain relations with foreign leaders, especially given Trump’s previous antagonistic stance toward President Emmanuel Macron of France. Trump’s admiration for far-right leaders and his skepticism of NATO’s significance could further complicate diplomatic relations, putting American interests at risk.

This appointment is yet another example of how Trump prioritizes personal connections over merit, undermining the integrity of U.S. diplomatic positions. As he attempts to reshape foreign policy with a focus on loyalty rather than competency, the consequences for international relations and American standing in the world could be dire.

(h/t: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/30/us/politics/trump-charles-kushner-france-ambassador.html)

Trump Misleads Public on Border Closure Deal with Mexico

Donald Trump recently boasted about a conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, claiming they struck a deal to “effectively close the border.” This assertion, however, is misleading as Mexico has already been implementing strict measures to manage migration.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump celebrated what he called a “very productive conversation,” suggesting that he had successfully pressured Mexico into taking actions that they were already doing. Sheinbaum confirmed their discussion focused on migration strategies, stating that caravans were not reaching the U.S. border due to Mexico’s enforcement measures.

While Trump positions this as a win, it conveniently ignores the fact that illegal migration rates have been declining due to the Biden administration’s enhanced cooperation with Mexico, a fact Trump fails to acknowledge. His claim follows a series of threats to impose tariffs on both Mexico and Canada, which raises questions about the sincerity of his negotiations.

The Trump administration’s focus on a border wall and aggressive immigration policies has been criticized as a façade to distract from more pressing issues. By misrepresenting the success of his conversations with Sheinbaum, Trump appears to be attempting to reclaim a narrative of strength on immigration, despite the reality of the situation being far less favorable for him.

In essence, Trump’s declaration of victory is less about genuine policy achievements and more about political posturing. His rhetoric continues to exploit immigration fears for political gain, which undermines the complex reality of border management and international cooperation.

(h/t: https://www.wbrz.com/news/trump-speaks-with-mexico-s-president-claims-an-agreement-to-effectively-close-the-border/)

Trump’s Alarming Phone Call with Netanyahu: A Threat to U.S. Foreign Policy

Donald Trump’s recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised serious concerns about his conduct and intentions, particularly regarding U.S. foreign policy. Trump boasted about discussing military strategies in the Middle East, including Netanyahu’s decision to ignore President Biden’s warnings about troop movements in Gaza, which led to significant casualties, including the death of a Hamas leader. Such actions not only demonstrate a blatant disregard for diplomatic norms but may also amount to a violation of the Logan Act, which prohibits unauthorized communication between private citizens and foreign governments.

This incident is troubling not only because it highlights Trump’s reckless approach to international relations but also because it suggests he may be positioning himself to undermine current U.S. foreign policy if he were to regain power. By advising Netanyahu to act independently of Biden’s administration, Trump appears to be attempting to disrupt ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving peace in the region. Critics argue that this kind of interference jeopardizes U.S. interests and undermines the authority of the sitting president.

Historically, such interference has had dire consequences, as evidenced by Richard Nixon’s actions during the Vietnam War, where he reportedly urged South Vietnam to delay peace talks to benefit his electoral chances. Trump’s behavior echoes this troubling precedent, raising fears that he may prioritize personal political gain over national security. The implications of such actions could lead to prolonged conflict and instability, not just for the Middle East but for U.S. foreign relations as a whole.

Furthermore, Trump’s repeated dismissals of credible intelligence reports, including those regarding Israeli espionage, indicate a dangerous pattern of behavior that could further alienate U.S. allies. By aligning himself so closely with Netanyahu, Trump risks alienating the broader international community and compromising America’s standing on the world stage. This raises questions about his commitment to U.S. interests and the rule of law.

In summary, Trump’s phone call with Netanyahu is alarming and indicative of a broader pattern of reckless diplomacy that could have significant repercussions for U.S. foreign policy and national security. The potential for criminal conduct, combined with a willingness to undermine the current administration, highlights the need for scrutiny and accountability in Trump’s actions and intentions.

(h/t: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/10/us-israel-trump-phone-call-netanyahu-gaza-cease-fire-2024-election.html)

Trump Struggles with Economic Policy in Challenging Bloomberg Interview

In a recent interview with Bloomberg News, former President Donald Trump faced intense questioning regarding his economic policies, revealing a significant lack of understanding of basic economic principles. During the discussion, Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait challenged Trump on his plans involving widespread tariffs on imported goods, which have been criticized by economists for potentially raising costs for American consumers. Trump maintained that other countries would bear the brunt of these tariffs, demonstrating a disconnect from the realities of international trade.

As the conversation progressed, Trump became increasingly defensive, dismissing critiques from Micklethwait and attacking the credibility of the Wall Street Journal when confronted with estimates that his economic proposals could inflate the national debt by $7 trillion. Despite Micklethwait’s attempts to keep the discussion focused, Trump often veered off-topic, notably failing to provide coherent answers about how his policies would aid small businesses that rely on imports.

Trump’s frustrations were palpable as he deflected questions regarding the impact of his immigration policies on the labor market. Instead of addressing economic implications, he resorted to discussing crime rates among undocumented immigrants, making unfounded claims about the dangers they pose. Micklethwait attempted to redirect the conversation to economic outcomes, but Trump continued to emphasize crime, undermining the economic discourse.

In a particularly notable moment, when asked about how he would cut government spending, Trump pointed to the remodeling of Air Force One as an example, which did little to elucidate his fiscal strategy. This response further exemplified his inability to articulate a clear economic vision, relying instead on vague anecdotes and deflections.

The interview concluded with Trump attempting to justify his disjointed speaking style, referring to it as a ‘weave’ of thoughts. However, this approach did not resonate well, as many observers noted that it reflected a troubling lack of clarity and focus on pressing economic issues that will impact voters in the upcoming election.

(h/t: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-crumbles-pressed-economic-policy-bloomberg-interview-1235134459/)

Trump Sent COVID Tests to Putin During 2020 Shortage, New Book Reveals

A new book by Bob Woodward, titled “War,” reveals that during the COVID-19 testing shortage in 2020, then-President Donald Trump secretly sent COVID-19 tests to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his personal use. Amidst a global pandemic, Putin, who was concerned about the virus, accepted the tests but requested that Trump keep the operation confidential to avoid political backlash in the U.S.

According to the book, Putin cautioned Trump, saying, “I don’t want you to tell anybody because people will get mad at you, not me.” This incident highlights the ongoing relationship between Trump and Putin, which has persisted even as Trump campaigns for the presidency in 2024 while Putin continues his aggressive actions in Ukraine.

Woodward’s account indicates that Trump has maintained contact with Putin since leaving office, with reported conversations occurring as many as seven times. The book paints Trump as potentially more reckless than Nixon, suggesting that his actions pose significant risks to U.S. interests and international stability.

In response to the revelations, a Trump campaign spokesman dismissed Woodward’s claims as fabricated, criticizing the author and questioning the credibility of the book. Despite these denials, the narrative presented in “War” depicts Trump as unfit for presidential office, contrasting him with President Joe Biden, who is portrayed as exhibiting steady leadership amidst ongoing international conflicts.

Woodward’s book is set to be released on October 15, 2023, and explores the ramifications of Trump’s foreign policy decisions while he was in office, particularly regarding relations with Putin and the implications for U.S. national security. It also delves into Biden’s handling of foreign crises, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, providing insights into the complexities and challenges faced by the current administration.

 

Trump Hints at Iran Link to His 2 Assassination Attempts, Despite the Available Evidence

Former President Donald J. Trump hinted at a potential link between Iran and the two assassination attempts against him, despite officials stating no evidence supports this claim. Intelligence agencies had been monitoring a possible Iranian plot before a gunman targeted Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania and another man attempted to shoot him at a Florida golf course. However, investigations have not found any connection to Iran in these incidents.

During a speech in North Carolina, Trump criticized the FBI for allegedly slow progress in investigating the assassination attempts and suggested Iranian involvement. He also accused the FBI of being too focused on him and individuals arrested for the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, which he referred to as ‘J6 hostages.’

Despite frequently accusing President Biden of warmongering, Trump claimed he would have threatened military action against Iran if they had made such threats. He stated that as president, he would warn Iran that any harm caused to him would result in severe consequences for the country.

Trump Campaign Legal Adviser Appears on Kremlin-Backed TV

A top Trump campaign adviser recently appeared on the Russian-government funded TV network RT, which U.S. intelligence agencies have said plays a role in the Kremlin’s plans to undermine American democracy.

Trump campaign senior legal adviser Jenna Ellis’ appearance on RT’s The Alex Salmond Show aired on July 9. She appears to be the first Trump campaign official to go on the Russian-funded network since the 2016 election. 

During her interview, Ellis defended Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and bashed the American media as “propagandist activist media.” Ellis also accused Fox News—the cable news network most friendly to the president—of having an anti-Trump bias.

“Even on Fox News, the president has been very outspoken on Twitter that there are some anchors there and there are some particular shows that aren’t really fair in terms of their editorializing some of those stories,” Ellis said. At one point, she told Salmond that he, a former First Minister of Scotland, knew “as a journalist” how proper reporting works and that American media wasn’t doing it. 

Ellis and the Trump campaign didn’t respond to a request for comment. 

Ellis isn’t the first Trump ally to appear on RT. Ret. Gen. Michael Flynn appeared several times on the network ahead of Trump’s election, and was paid $34,000 by RT for delivering a speech. Trump himself appeared in an RT America interview in September 2016, which was conducted by Larry King, the longtime CNN host who has found a late-career gig at the network.

RT, which was formerly known as Russia Today, has been routinely criticized as a propaganda outlet for Kremlin interests. Its programming is often hyper critical of U.S. policy and in 2016 its editorial content seemed designed for two major purposes: to foster social unrest in the United States and (perhaps relatedly) boost Trump’s candidacy. 

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence eventually released a report that said the network, whose videos receive millions of views online, produced content “aimed at undermining viewers’ trust of US democratic procedures.” The assessment, released in 2017, added that RT was a key part of the Russian efforts to meddle in that presidential election as part of a “Kremlin directed campaign to undermine faith in the US Government and fuel political protest.” 

[The Daily Beast]

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