Trump Dismisses International Law as Constraint, Says Only ‘Own Morality’ Can Stop Him
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that in a wide-ranging interview published this week by The New York Times, U.S. President Donald Trump has said that his authority on the world stage is constrained only by his personal sense of morality, asserting “I don’t need international law” to limit his actions as commander-in-chief.
OTN News further reports as gathered that, Trump speaking from the Oval Office, insisted that the only meaningful check on his use of military, economic or diplomatic power is “my own morality, my own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me,” framing his approach as guided by personal judgment rather than established global rules.
When pressed about whether his administration follows international law, Trump said that the United States does — but characterises that adherence as subjective, adding: “It depends what your definition of international law is.”
OTN News observes that the comments come amid mounting geopolitical tensions and controversial U.S. actions abroad.
Trump has openly discussed taking control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, arguing that outright ownership would better serve U.S. strategic interests than leases or treaties.
European leaders have reacted sharply to his rhetoric, with some calling for military reinforcement of Greenland to counter what they see as a threat to Danish sovereignty.
Furthermore, Trump also addressed recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela, defending actions against Nicolás Maduro’s government and repeating disputed claims that Maduro’s forces posed a direct threat to the United States.
In explaining that the situation in Venezuela does not set a precedent for China regarding Taiwan, he said he doesn’t believe Chinese President Xi Jinping will attempt to seize the island while he remains in office.
On arms-control, Trump appears indifferent to the impending expiration of the last major treaty between the U.S. and Russia, suggesting that if it lapses, a “better agreement” could be negotiated and that China should be part of any future deal.
Domestically, Trump’s remarks have sparked debate as protests and criticism rise over unrelated issues such as an ICE fatal shooting in Minneapolis. Critics of the president warn that his dismissal of international legal norms could undermine global stability and strain long-standing alliances, including with NATO partners concerned about U.S. intentions toward Greenland.
Supporters, however, argued that a strong, unconstrained U.S. role in global affairs protects national interests and deters adversaries.
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