Washington: US President Donald Trump has said that his own sense of right and wrong is the primary check on his actions as president, playing down the role of international law in shaping American policy abroad. The remarks came during a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, where Trump addressed issues ranging from global power and NATO to Greenland and tensions between China and Taiwan.
Asked whether there were any real limits on his authority on the world stage, Trump responded that restraint comes from within rather than from external rules. He suggested that his personal moral compass was sufficient to guide decisions, adding that he was not interested in causing harm.
At the same time, Trump acknowledged that the United States does observe international law, but made it clear that his administration would decide when and how such rules apply. He argued that interpretations of international law can vary, implying that Washington should retain flexibility in how it responds to global challenges.
Turning to Asia, Trump spoke about China’s position on Taiwan and President Xi Jinping’s long-standing view of the island as a breakaway province. Trump said he had made his opposition clear to any aggressive move by Beijing and expressed confidence that China would avoid drastic action during his presidency. He suggested that the situation could change under a future US administration, but maintained that, for now, China would not escalate tensions.
The president also touched on the possibility of China attempting to block or pressure Taiwan, reiterating his belief that such a step would not occur while he remains in office.
On transatlantic relations, Trump was questioned about whether safeguarding NATO or pursuing control over Greenland would take precedence. He avoided giving a direct answer, though he conceded that the issue could eventually require a difficult decision. Emphasising the concept of ownership, Trump argued that full control of territory provides strategic advantages that agreements or leases cannot offer.
Explaining his interest in Greenland, Trump said ownership carries psychological and practical benefits that contribute to national success, suggesting that formal documents alone do not deliver the same level of influence or security.
Speaking more broadly about Europe, Trump said he expected continued cooperation but insisted that European nations must contribute more to their own defence. He credited himself with pressuring NATO members to increase defence spending and claimed that Russia’s primary concern remains the United States. Trump also asserted that his leadership had been crucial in preventing Russia from achieving greater gains in Ukraine.
Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump’s comments on Greenland, urging European leaders to take the president’s interest in the region seriously. Vance warned that rival powers are increasingly focused on Greenland’s strategic value, particularly in missile defence. He argued that Europe must strengthen its security commitments, cautioning that failure to do so could force the United States to take unilateral action.
The comments underscore Trump’s unconventional approach to foreign policy, one that places personal judgment and strategic advantage above traditional diplomatic norms.
