U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 24th (local time) that the United States and its allied countries would not hesitate to use military force if threatened.
During the graduation ceremony at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Trump said, “I focus on our core national interests and will always prefer to seek reconciliation and cooperation even with countries with significant differences of opinion,” and added, “However, if the U.S. or its allies are threatened or attacked, we will eliminate our enemies with overwhelming power and devastating military force.”
Trump reaffirmed his existing position that while protecting allies is a priority, the United States will not be responsible for the security of other countries.
He emphasized, “The day of considering defense for every country except our country is over,” stating, “We must prioritize the United States. We must rebuild and defend our country.”
Additionally, Trump noted that other countries have deceived the United States in trade, but he has made it so they can no longer do so, saying, “We are engaging in transactions with other countries that no one ever thought possible.”
Trump also stated that leaders from both the Republican and Democratic parties have weakened the military by deploying it on missions unrelated to its original purpose over the past two decades, and he pledged to focus on the core missions of U.S. defense and enemy deterrence.
Moreover, Trump reiterated his position to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the military. The Trump administration has claimed that policies promoting diversity in gender, race, and ethnicity are reverse discrimination against white men and weaken the military’s combat capabilities.
Trump also remarked, “I have been investigated more than Al Capone (the mafia boss), and now I am speaking to you as president. Can you believe that?”