‘My own morality can stop me, I don’t need international law’: Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump has brushed aside the relevance of international law, asserting that his personal morality and judgment are the only limits on his exercise of power, according to an interview with The New York Times.

When asked whether there were any constraints on his global authority, Trump said, “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,” while adding that he was “not looking to hurt people.”

Pressed on whether his administration was bound by international law, Trump replied, “I do,” but made it clear that he would determine when such constraints applied. “It depends what your definition of international law is,” he said.

China, Taiwan and deterrence

On China-Taiwan relations, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping would refrain from any aggressive action against Taiwan during his presidency.

“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. He added that China might act differently under a future US president, but not while he remains in office.

NATO versus Greenland

Asked to choose between preserving NATO or pursuing control over Greenland, Trump declined to give a direct answer, but acknowledged that “it may be a choice.” Emphasising the importance of ownership, he said, “Ownership is very important.”

Explaining his interest in acquiring Greenland, Trump said ownership offered advantages that leases or treaties could not. “Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document,” he said, describing it as “psychologically needed for success.”

Europe and Russia

Speaking about Europe, Trump said he wanted European nations to “shape up” on defence spending, claiming credit for pushing NATO allies to increase their contributions.

“I’ve been very loyal to Europe. I’ve done a good job,” Trump said, adding that Russia was primarily concerned with the United States. He claimed that without his leadership, “Russia would have taken all of Ukraine right now.”

Vance backs tough stance on Greenland

Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance said European leaders should take Trump’s comments on Greenland seriously, citing growing interest by “hostile adversaries” in the Arctic region. Vance described Greenland as critical to global missile defence and warned that if Europe failed to take security more seriously, the US would have to “do something about it.”

Read Also : Himachal Pradesh : ‘Senior Residency Policy’ for medical colleges on the anvil