Trump says morality, not international law, dictates his actions, discuss China, NATO, Greenland
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Friday has said international law does not limit his authority, but morality as he spoke on Taiwan, NATO and Greenland while asserted that personal judgement guides US global actions.
Trump has said that international law does not restrict his actions, asserting that his own judgement is the only real limit on his power.
In an interview with in US media Trump spoke at length about NATO, Greenland, and China’s posture towards Taiwan, framed global politics around authority, control, and what he described as “ownership”.
When asked whether there were any boundaries to his global power, Trump replied that restraint came from within.
“Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me. I don’t need international law,” he said, adding, “I’m not looking to hurt people.”
Pressed on whether his administration must follow international law, Trump said it does, but only on his terms.
“I do,” he told the newspaper, before adding, “It depends what your definition of international law is.”
The interview made clear that Trump sees himself as the final authority on when such rules apply to the United States.
On China and Taiwan, Trump predicts restraint during his presidency.
Trump also addressed tensions between China and Taiwan, said he believes Chinese President Xi Jinping would avoid military action while he remains in office.
Trump said he had warned Xi against any escalation when asked about Beijing’s view of Taiwan as a separatist threat.
“That’s up to him, what he’s going to be doing. But, you know, I’ve expressed to him that I would be very unhappy if he did that, and I don’t think he’ll do that. I hope he doesn’t.”
“He may do it after we have a different president, but I don’t think he’s going to do it with me as president.”
On Europe and NATO, Trump said: “I think we’ll always get along with Europe, but I want them to shape up. I’m the one that got them to spend more on the, you know, more GDP on NATO. But if you look at NATO, Russia, I can tell you is not at all concerned with any other country but us. I’ve been very loyal to Europe. I’ve done a good job. If it weren’t for me, Russia would have all of Ukraine right now.”
Trump avoided a direct answer but acknowledged the dilemma when asked to choose between preserving NATO or acquiring Greenland.
“It may be a choice,” he said, before stressing, “Ownership is very important.”
Trump argued that Greenland ownership carries advantages beyond treaties or leases as he explained why he wanted Greenland under US control.
He added “Because that’s what I feel is psychologically needed for success. I think that ownership gives you a thing that you can’t do with you’re talking about a lease or a treaty. Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document.”
US Vice President JD Vance on Friday echoed the administration’s stance, warned European leaders to take Trump’s comments on Greenland seriously.
Vance said “hostile adversaries” were showing interest in the region and described it as critical for American and global missile defence.
He added that Europe must shoulder more responsibility for its own security, or the United States would be forced to “do something about it”.
