Washington, Jan 9: US President Donald Trump has said that his own moral compass, rather than international law, sets the limits of American power, underlining a personalised approach to foreign policy that extends from NATO to Greenland and China-Taiwan relations.
In an interview with The New York Times, Trump said, “My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me. I don’t need international law,” while insisting that he had no intention of causing harm. “I’m not looking to hurt people,” he said.
Pressed on whether his administration is bound by international law, Trump replied, “I do,” but suggested the rules were open to interpretation. “It depends what your definition of international law is,” he said, indicating that Washington would decide when such obligations apply.
On tensions between China and Taiwan, Trump expressed confidence that Beijing would refrain from military action while he remained President. “I’ve expressed to him that I would be very unhappy if he did that, and I don’t think he’ll do that,” Trump said, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“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,” he added.
Trump also spoke at length about Greenland, framing territorial control as central to national strength. Asked whether NATO or Greenland was the greater priority, he avoided a direct comparison but said, “It may be a choice.”
“Ownership is very important,” Trump said, arguing that treaties or leases were insufficient. “Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document.”
Discussing Europe and NATO, Trump said the alliance would endure but criticised member states for inadequate defence spending. “I’m the one that got them to spend more GDP on NATO,” he said, asserting that Russia’s primary concern remained the United States.
“I’ve been very loyal to Europe,” Trump said, adding, “If it weren’t for me, Russia would have taken all of Ukraine right now.”
Trump’s remarks come amid renewed focus on Greenland’s strategic value. Earlier this week, US Vice President JD Vance said European leaders should treat Trump’s statements on Greenland seriously, pointing to growing interest from “hostile adversaries”.
Vance said Greenland was vital for American and global missile defence and warned that if Europe failed to strengthen its own security, the United States would be compelled to “do something about it”.
