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In light of John Bolton& #39;s new book about his time as the President& #39;s National Security Advisor, it is probably a good time for a refresher on this administration& #39;s "proudest" moments.
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In light of John Bolton& #39;s new book about his time as the President& #39;s National Security Advisor, it is probably a good time for a refresher on this administration& #39;s "proudest" moments.
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Before 45 even took office, his top advisers had multiple potentially scandalous contacts with Russian officials. Most troubling are the numerous contacts that future administration officials had with top Russian spy and diplomat Sergey Kislyak. https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/15/politics/trump-russia-issues/">https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/1...
Before 45 even took office, his top advisers had multiple potentially scandalous contacts with Russian officials. Most troubling are the numerous contacts that future administration officials had with top Russian spy and diplomat Sergey Kislyak. https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/15/politics/trump-russia-issues/">https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/1...
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From the beginning, the President has been quick to praise authoritarian leaders around the world, including:
- Vladimir Putin
- Xi Jinping
- Kim Jong Un
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan
- Rodrigo Duterte
- Abdel Fattah el-Sisi https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/03/trump-xi-jinping-dictators/554810/">https://www.theatlantic.com/internati...
From the beginning, the President has been quick to praise authoritarian leaders around the world, including:
- Vladimir Putin
- Xi Jinping
- Kim Jong Un
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan
- Rodrigo Duterte
- Abdel Fattah el-Sisi https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/03/trump-xi-jinping-dictators/554810/">https://www.theatlantic.com/internati...
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During his inauguration address, 45 signaled an intent to craft a foreign policy that benefits US interests to the exclusion of others, including our allies.
"It is the right of all nations to put their own interests first". https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/the-inaugural-address/">https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings...
During his inauguration address, 45 signaled an intent to craft a foreign policy that benefits US interests to the exclusion of others, including our allies.
"It is the right of all nations to put their own interests first". https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/the-inaugural-address/">https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings...
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The President has continuously undermined and alienated the strongest ally of the US: The United Kingdom. From Brexit to anti-terrorism, 45 has been savagely critical of UK policy. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/05/trump-undermines-uk-and-bullies-theresa-may/590758/">https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/arc...
The President has continuously undermined and alienated the strongest ally of the US: The United Kingdom. From Brexit to anti-terrorism, 45 has been savagely critical of UK policy. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/05/trump-undermines-uk-and-bullies-theresa-may/590758/">https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/arc...
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One of the President& #39;s first acts was to pull the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. A move popular among his base, the move& #39;s main accomplishment was relinquishing US influence in the Pacific to China. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38721056">https://www.bbc.com/news/worl...
One of the President& #39;s first acts was to pull the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. A move popular among his base, the move& #39;s main accomplishment was relinquishing US influence in the Pacific to China. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38721056">https://www.bbc.com/news/worl...
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Soon after, 45 signed the first version of what has been dubbed the "Muslim ban". Purported to protect the nation from terrorism, it was a clearly racist effort to prevent non-whites from immigrating to the US. https://www.axios.com/trump-muslim-travel-ban-immigration-6ce8554f-05bd-467b-b3c2-ea4876f7773a.html">https://www.axios.com/trump-mus...
Soon after, 45 signed the first version of what has been dubbed the "Muslim ban". Purported to protect the nation from terrorism, it was a clearly racist effort to prevent non-whites from immigrating to the US. https://www.axios.com/trump-muslim-travel-ban-immigration-6ce8554f-05bd-467b-b3c2-ea4876f7773a.html">https://www.axios.com/trump-mus...
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The President next began a renegotiation of NAFTA. The main accomplishments of this massive undertaking was changing the name of the agreement to USMCA and a slight increase of US access to the Canadian dairy market. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2018/10/02/5-things-to-know-about-usmca-the-new-nafta/">https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-f...
The President next began a renegotiation of NAFTA. The main accomplishments of this massive undertaking was changing the name of the agreement to USMCA and a slight increase of US access to the Canadian dairy market. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2018/10/02/5-things-to-know-about-usmca-the-new-nafta/">https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-f...
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45 accused NATO nations of "underspending on defense". He also questioned the value of NATO on multiple occasions, calling it "obsolete". Undermining NATO has predictably shifted influence in Europe to Russia. https://www.dw.com/en/donald-trump-on-nato-top-quotes/g-44588734">https://www.dw.com/en/donald...
45 accused NATO nations of "underspending on defense". He also questioned the value of NATO on multiple occasions, calling it "obsolete". Undermining NATO has predictably shifted influence in Europe to Russia. https://www.dw.com/en/donald-trump-on-nato-top-quotes/g-44588734">https://www.dw.com/en/donald...
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In June 2017, the administration was working at cross purposes re. Qatar.
While 45 was praising attempts by Saudi Arabia to blockade Qatar, Secretary of State Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Mattis were working to improve relations with Qatar. https://www.newsweek.com/why-are-trump-and-tillerson-odds-over-qatar-625034">https://www.newsweek.com/why-are-t...
In June 2017, the administration was working at cross purposes re. Qatar.
While 45 was praising attempts by Saudi Arabia to blockade Qatar, Secretary of State Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Mattis were working to improve relations with Qatar. https://www.newsweek.com/why-are-trump-and-tillerson-odds-over-qatar-625034">https://www.newsweek.com/why-are-t...
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In June 2017, the President announced that the US was exiting the Paris Climate Accord. This selfish move had long been popular among climate change science deniers. The rest of the world has moved forward without the United States. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/04/donald-trump-climate-crisis-exit-paris-agreement">https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2...
In June 2017, the President announced that the US was exiting the Paris Climate Accord. This selfish move had long been popular among climate change science deniers. The rest of the world has moved forward without the United States. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/04/donald-trump-climate-crisis-exit-paris-agreement">https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2...
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Soon afterward, 45 withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, despite being warned against such an action by his foreign policy team. The move eroded incentives for Iran to not restart its& #39; nuclear weapons program. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43902372">https://www.bbc.com/news/worl...
Soon afterward, 45 withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, despite being warned against such an action by his foreign policy team. The move eroded incentives for Iran to not restart its& #39; nuclear weapons program. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43902372">https://www.bbc.com/news/worl...
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In November, 2017, the President ignored the thousands of horrific extrajudicial killings backed by Rodrigo Duterte, instead hailing his "great relationship" with the Philippines President and commiserating over their mutual dislike of Barack Obama. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/13/trump-hails-great-relationship-with-philippines-duterte">https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2...
In November, 2017, the President ignored the thousands of horrific extrajudicial killings backed by Rodrigo Duterte, instead hailing his "great relationship" with the Philippines President and commiserating over their mutual dislike of Barack Obama. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/13/trump-hails-great-relationship-with-philippines-duterte">https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2...
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The President& #39;s first foray into diplomacy with North Korea was a childish twitter war with Kim Jong-Un. This led some to wonder if 45& #39;s taunts would lead to a military response by the notoriously unpredictable North Korean dictator. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/trump-in-childish-twitter-war-with-kim">https://www.sbs.com.au/news/trum...
The President& #39;s first foray into diplomacy with North Korea was a childish twitter war with Kim Jong-Un. This led some to wonder if 45& #39;s taunts would lead to a military response by the notoriously unpredictable North Korean dictator. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/trump-in-childish-twitter-war-with-kim">https://www.sbs.com.au/news/trum...
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In December 2017, the US officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel& #39;s capital. This move completely undermined decades of US efforts to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict peacefully. https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/06/politics/president-donald-trump-jerusalem/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/0...
In December 2017, the US officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel& #39;s capital. This move completely undermined decades of US efforts to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict peacefully. https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/06/politics/president-donald-trump-jerusalem/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/0...
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In early 2018, 45 proposed the creation of two new, low-yield nuclear missiles, increasing the potential circumstances in which the US might conduct a nuclear strike. https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/02/trump-plan-nuclear-weapons-386087">https://www.politico.com/story/201...
In early 2018, 45 proposed the creation of two new, low-yield nuclear missiles, increasing the potential circumstances in which the US might conduct a nuclear strike. https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/02/trump-plan-nuclear-weapons-386087">https://www.politico.com/story/201...
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In March 2018, the President began his trade war, announcing tariffs on Chinese-made steel and aluminum. At best, the increased cost to consumers is an even trade for the handful of jobs created in the US. At worst, it is costing consumers billions. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/05/07/trumps-steel-tariffs-cost-us-consumers-every-job-created-experts-say/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/...
In March 2018, the President began his trade war, announcing tariffs on Chinese-made steel and aluminum. At best, the increased cost to consumers is an even trade for the handful of jobs created in the US. At worst, it is costing consumers billions. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/05/07/trumps-steel-tariffs-cost-us-consumers-every-job-created-experts-say/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/...
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In March, 45 accepted an invitation for a June summit with North Korea& #39;s Kim Jong-Un - the first summit between the leaders of the two nations. This move legitimized the North Korean dictator in the eyes of the world. https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-kim-summit-legitimized-notorious-dictator-2018-6">https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-kim...
In March, 45 accepted an invitation for a June summit with North Korea& #39;s Kim Jong-Un - the first summit between the leaders of the two nations. This move legitimized the North Korean dictator in the eyes of the world. https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-kim-summit-legitimized-notorious-dictator-2018-6">https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-kim...
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In April 2018, the President accelerated the trade war with China, which to date has cost American consumers $57 billion a year. The US has won few trade concessions from China. https://www.americanactionforum.org/research/the-total-cost-of-trumps-new-tariffs/">https://www.americanactionforum.org/research/...
In April 2018, the President accelerated the trade war with China, which to date has cost American consumers $57 billion a year. The US has won few trade concessions from China. https://www.americanactionforum.org/research/the-total-cost-of-trumps-new-tariffs/">https://www.americanactionforum.org/research/...
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May 2018 marks the most shameful chapter of the 45 administration: child separation at the US border.
What are essentially concentration camps for immigrants fleeing US-caused drug violence in Mexico and Central America continue to this day. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/trump-s-family-separation-policy-never-really-ended-why-ncna1025376">https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opi...
May 2018 marks the most shameful chapter of the 45 administration: child separation at the US border.
What are essentially concentration camps for immigrants fleeing US-caused drug violence in Mexico and Central America continue to this day. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/trump-s-family-separation-policy-never-really-ended-why-ncna1025376">https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opi...
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At this same time, the President sent 5,000 troops to the border with Mexico, in order to combat invented "immigrant caravans" and nonexistent aggression by Mexican military personnel. https://www.militarytimes.com/2019/04/24/trumps-makes-new-threat-to-send-us-troops-to-mexican-border/">https://www.militarytimes.com/2019/04/2...
At this same time, the President sent 5,000 troops to the border with Mexico, in order to combat invented "immigrant caravans" and nonexistent aggression by Mexican military personnel. https://www.militarytimes.com/2019/04/24/trumps-makes-new-threat-to-send-us-troops-to-mexican-border/">https://www.militarytimes.com/2019/04/2...
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45 followed this up by moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, further signaling US support for Prime Minister Netanyahu& #39;s anti-Palestinian policies. https://www.vox.com/2018/5/14/17340798/jerusalem-embassy-israel-palestinians-us-trump">https://www.vox.com/2018/5/14...
45 followed this up by moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, further signaling US support for Prime Minister Netanyahu& #39;s anti-Palestinian policies. https://www.vox.com/2018/5/14/17340798/jerusalem-embassy-israel-palestinians-us-trump">https://www.vox.com/2018/5/14...
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Immediately following the 2nd meeting with Kim Jong-Un, the US withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council. This was another in a long series of moves that served to sever ties between the US and the international community. https://apnews.com/9c5b1005f064474f9a0825ab84a16e91/Trump-administration-pulls-US-out-of-UN-human-rights-council">https://apnews.com/9c5b1005f...
Immediately following the 2nd meeting with Kim Jong-Un, the US withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council. This was another in a long series of moves that served to sever ties between the US and the international community. https://apnews.com/9c5b1005f064474f9a0825ab84a16e91/Trump-administration-pulls-US-out-of-UN-human-rights-council">https://apnews.com/9c5b1005f...
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In July 2018, at a NATO Summit, the President threatened an American withdrawal, accusing members of not spending enough on defense. This was just one of a number of instances when 45 undermined relations with NATO countries. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/12/24/how-trump-made-war-on-angela-merkel-and-europe">https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/...
In July 2018, at a NATO Summit, the President threatened an American withdrawal, accusing members of not spending enough on defense. This was just one of a number of instances when 45 undermined relations with NATO countries. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/12/24/how-trump-made-war-on-angela-merkel-and-europe">https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/...
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At the Helsinki Summit with Vladimir Putin, 45 and the Russian President spoke for two hours with only translators in the room, leaving even his own foreign policy team scratching their heads over what was discussed. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2019/01/trump-putin-meeting-interpreter-notes">https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2019...
At the Helsinki Summit with Vladimir Putin, 45 and the Russian President spoke for two hours with only translators in the room, leaving even his own foreign policy team scratching their heads over what was discussed. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2019/01/trump-putin-meeting-interpreter-notes">https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2019...
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This was not the only time the President left his own foreign policy experts in the dark. There have been at least five instances of him concealing discussions with Vladimir Putin. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-has-concealed-details-of-his-face-to-face-encounters-with-putin-from-senior-officials-in-administration/2019/01/12/65f6686c-1434-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html">https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/nat...
This was not the only time the President left his own foreign policy experts in the dark. There have been at least five instances of him concealing discussions with Vladimir Putin. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-has-concealed-details-of-his-face-to-face-encounters-with-putin-from-senior-officials-in-administration/2019/01/12/65f6686c-1434-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html">https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/nat...
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During the Helsinki conference, 45 not only kept the details of his private meeting with Putin secret, but he also then sided with the Russian President over his own intelligence agencies re. Russian interference in the 2016 election. https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/16/trump-russia-putin-summit-722418">https://www.politico.com/story/201...
During the Helsinki conference, 45 not only kept the details of his private meeting with Putin secret, but he also then sided with the Russian President over his own intelligence agencies re. Russian interference in the 2016 election. https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/16/trump-russia-putin-summit-722418">https://www.politico.com/story/201...
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In October 2018, Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated by Saudi Arabia, likely on the orders of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The 45 administration turned a blind eye to and possibly aided the Saudis in the cover-up. https://www.npr.org/2019/10/02/765780013/opinion-trump-and-pompeo-have-enabled-a-saudi-cover-up-of-the-khashoggi-killing">https://www.npr.org/2019/10/0...
In October 2018, Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated by Saudi Arabia, likely on the orders of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The 45 administration turned a blind eye to and possibly aided the Saudis in the cover-up. https://www.npr.org/2019/10/02/765780013/opinion-trump-and-pompeo-have-enabled-a-saudi-cover-up-of-the-khashoggi-killing">https://www.npr.org/2019/10/0...
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In December of 2018, the President announced that "We have defeated Isis in Syria", and ordered a withdrawal of US troops.
This was premature, as the Pentagon estimated that 14,500 Isis fighters remained in Syria at the time. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/dec/19/us-troops-syria-withdrawal-trump">https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2...
In December of 2018, the President announced that "We have defeated Isis in Syria", and ordered a withdrawal of US troops.
This was premature, as the Pentagon estimated that 14,500 Isis fighters remained in Syria at the time. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/dec/19/us-troops-syria-withdrawal-trump">https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2...
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In February 2019, the White House began diverting US military funding to 45& #39;s pet project: the wall across the border with Mexico. He has diverted a total of $18.4 billion from our armed forces, as of early 2020. https://www.vox.com/2020/1/14/21065352/trump-diverting-military-funds-border-wall-construction">https://www.vox.com/2020/1/14...
In February 2019, the White House began diverting US military funding to 45& #39;s pet project: the wall across the border with Mexico. He has diverted a total of $18.4 billion from our armed forces, as of early 2020. https://www.vox.com/2020/1/14/21065352/trump-diverting-military-funds-border-wall-construction">https://www.vox.com/2020/1/14...
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The third meeting between Kim Jong Un and 45 ended abruptly in February 2018, with no nuclear deal, despite the President declaring that, "We fell in love", and defending the brutal dictator& #39;s culpability in North Korea& #39;s murder of Otto Warmbier. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/02/28/donald-trump-kim-jong-un-nuclear-vietnam-summit-michael-cohen/2924946002/">https://www.usatoday.com/story/new...
The third meeting between Kim Jong Un and 45 ended abruptly in February 2018, with no nuclear deal, despite the President declaring that, "We fell in love", and defending the brutal dictator& #39;s culpability in North Korea& #39;s murder of Otto Warmbier. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/02/28/donald-trump-kim-jong-un-nuclear-vietnam-summit-michael-cohen/2924946002/">https://www.usatoday.com/story/new...
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Soon after the failure in Vietnam, North Korea tested a new short-range ballistic missile. The President claimed that the test wasn& #39;t a "breach of trust", despite Kim& #39;s assurances to him that missile tests would end.
https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2019-06/news/kim-missile-tests-draw-muted-us-reaction">https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2019-...
Soon after the failure in Vietnam, North Korea tested a new short-range ballistic missile. The President claimed that the test wasn& #39;t a "breach of trust", despite Kim& #39;s assurances to him that missile tests would end.
https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2019-06/news/kim-missile-tests-draw-muted-us-reaction">https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2019-...
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A few months later, North Korea conducted 4 missile tests in the weeks leading up to US-South Korea joint exercises. 45 responded by talking about a "very beautiful letter" from Kim and the President& #39;s own dislike of the exercises. https://www.newsweek.com/trump-north-korea-right-drills-1453601">https://www.newsweek.com/trump-nor...
A few months later, North Korea conducted 4 missile tests in the weeks leading up to US-South Korea joint exercises. 45 responded by talking about a "very beautiful letter" from Kim and the President& #39;s own dislike of the exercises. https://www.newsweek.com/trump-north-korea-right-drills-1453601">https://www.newsweek.com/trump-nor...
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In the months after pulling out of the Iranian nuclear deal, 45& #39;s Iran policy has consisted of mixed signals, veering wildly between tough and conciliatory messages. This seemingly uncoordinated foreign policy has confused allies about US intentions. https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/20/opinions/us-iran-mess-trump-endgame-bergen/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/2...
In the months after pulling out of the Iranian nuclear deal, 45& #39;s Iran policy has consisted of mixed signals, veering wildly between tough and conciliatory messages. This seemingly uncoordinated foreign policy has confused allies about US intentions. https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/20/opinions/us-iran-mess-trump-endgame-bergen/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/2...
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In mid-2019, the White House engaged in a coordinated effort to link US military aid to Ukraine in exchange for help in 45& #39;s re-election efforts against presumptive Democratic candidate Joe Biden. https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-admits-to-ukraine-military-aid-quid-pro-quo-tv-2019-11">https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-adm...
In mid-2019, the White House engaged in a coordinated effort to link US military aid to Ukraine in exchange for help in 45& #39;s re-election efforts against presumptive Democratic candidate Joe Biden. https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-admits-to-ukraine-military-aid-quid-pro-quo-tv-2019-11">https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-adm...
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In June 2019, Congressional testimony by Rex Tillerson revealed that 45& #39;s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was conducting foreign policy conversations with various world leaders without informing the State Department. This has led to multiple gaffes. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/kushner-cut-me-other-top-diplomats-out-loop-talks-saudis-n1023201">https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/...
In June 2019, Congressional testimony by Rex Tillerson revealed that 45& #39;s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was conducting foreign policy conversations with various world leaders without informing the State Department. This has led to multiple gaffes. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/kushner-cut-me-other-top-diplomats-out-loop-talks-saudis-n1023201">https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/...
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In June 2019, 45 met Kim Jong Un in a hastily organized meeting at the DMZ between the Koreas. This was the first time a sitting US president had set foot into North Korea, another major propaganda coup for Kim at the expense of the United States. https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/the-trump-kim-dmz-handshake-summit-what-it-changes-and-what-it-doesnt-change/">https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/t...
In June 2019, 45 met Kim Jong Un in a hastily organized meeting at the DMZ between the Koreas. This was the first time a sitting US president had set foot into North Korea, another major propaganda coup for Kim at the expense of the United States. https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/the-trump-kim-dmz-handshake-summit-what-it-changes-and-what-it-doesnt-change/">https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/t...
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In mid-2019, the President began exploring the possibility of purchasing Greenland from Denmark. Widely mocked as a ridiculously impractical idea, the idea led to a diplomatic incident and cancelled meeting between the Danish Prime Minister and 45. https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/20/politics/trump-cancels-copenhagen/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/2...
In mid-2019, the President began exploring the possibility of purchasing Greenland from Denmark. Widely mocked as a ridiculously impractical idea, the idea led to a diplomatic incident and cancelled meeting between the Danish Prime Minister and 45. https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/20/politics/trump-cancels-copenhagen/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/2...
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In the days running up to the 2019 anniversary of 9/11, the President was roundly criticized for a misguided attempt to meet with Taliban leaders at Camp David. The idea of allowing terrorists onto US soil was denounced by both Democrats and the GOP. https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-invited-taliban-camp-david-heres-what-afghanistan-vets-think-2019-9">https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-inv...
In the days running up to the 2019 anniversary of 9/11, the President was roundly criticized for a misguided attempt to meet with Taliban leaders at Camp David. The idea of allowing terrorists onto US soil was denounced by both Democrats and the GOP. https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-invited-taliban-camp-david-heres-what-afghanistan-vets-think-2019-9">https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-inv...
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By the end of 2019, 2,000 US troops had been withdrawn from Afghanistan, despite the failure of talks between the US and the Taliban. This empowered the Taliban at the expense of the Afghan government. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/10/21/us-has-already-pulled-2000-troops-from-afghanistan-gen-austin-miller-says/">https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your...
By the end of 2019, 2,000 US troops had been withdrawn from Afghanistan, despite the failure of talks between the US and the Taliban. This empowered the Taliban at the expense of the Afghan government. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/10/21/us-has-already-pulled-2000-troops-from-afghanistan-gen-austin-miller-says/">https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your...
41/
In October 2019, with little warning, the Pentagon withdrew all troops from the Kurdish-controlled sector of Syria. This left our Kurdish allies, among the staunchest allies of the US, at the mercy of Turkey, who attacked almost immediately. https://www.npr.org/2019/10/19/771546293/kurdish-general-slams-u-s-syria-policy-gen-petraeus-calls-withdrawal-a-betrayal">https://www.npr.org/2019/10/1...
In October 2019, with little warning, the Pentagon withdrew all troops from the Kurdish-controlled sector of Syria. This left our Kurdish allies, among the staunchest allies of the US, at the mercy of Turkey, who attacked almost immediately. https://www.npr.org/2019/10/19/771546293/kurdish-general-slams-u-s-syria-policy-gen-petraeus-calls-withdrawal-a-betrayal">https://www.npr.org/2019/10/1...
42/
In October 2019, it was discovered that the President was willing to extradite a political opponent of President Tayyip Erdogan to Turkey, at the behest of Rudy Guiliani. Only the intervention of White House aides prevented the extradition. https://www.businessinsider.com/rudy-giuliani-pushed-trump-to-hand-fethullah-gulen-turkey-erdogan-2019-10">https://www.businessinsider.com/rudy-giul...
In October 2019, it was discovered that the President was willing to extradite a political opponent of President Tayyip Erdogan to Turkey, at the behest of Rudy Guiliani. Only the intervention of White House aides prevented the extradition. https://www.businessinsider.com/rudy-giuliani-pushed-trump-to-hand-fethullah-gulen-turkey-erdogan-2019-10">https://www.businessinsider.com/rudy-giul...
43/
Also in October, 45 sent 2,800 US troops to Saudi Arabia, along with fighter jets and missile defense systems. This blatant attempt to curry favor with Saudi Arabia is especially despicable when considering the brutal Saudi murder of Jamal Khashoggi. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/mideast/trump-admin-sending-thousands-more-troops-saudi-arabia-n1065051">https://www.nbcnews.com/news/mide...
Also in October, 45 sent 2,800 US troops to Saudi Arabia, along with fighter jets and missile defense systems. This blatant attempt to curry favor with Saudi Arabia is especially despicable when considering the brutal Saudi murder of Jamal Khashoggi. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/mideast/trump-admin-sending-thousands-more-troops-saudi-arabia-n1065051">https://www.nbcnews.com/news/mide...
44/
In January 2020, the President ordered the assassination-by-drone of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. While he was undoubtedly a dangerous foe, the method of attack turned the general into a martyr to be avenged instead of a cautionary tale. https://time.com/5762017/iran-leader-soleimani-martyr-trump/">https://time.com/5762017/i...
In January 2020, the President ordered the assassination-by-drone of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. While he was undoubtedly a dangerous foe, the method of attack turned the general into a martyr to be avenged instead of a cautionary tale. https://time.com/5762017/iran-leader-soleimani-martyr-trump/">https://time.com/5762017/i...
45/
Earlier this year, Benjamin Netanyahu and 45 announced a brand new Middle East Peace plan.
Primarily a lifeline to a Prime Minister facing criminal indictment, it also signals the end of American support for a peace plan based on the 1967 borders. https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/01/28/trump-netanyahu-peace-plan-white-house-israel-election/">https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/01/2...
Earlier this year, Benjamin Netanyahu and 45 announced a brand new Middle East Peace plan.
Primarily a lifeline to a Prime Minister facing criminal indictment, it also signals the end of American support for a peace plan based on the 1967 borders. https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/01/28/trump-netanyahu-peace-plan-white-house-israel-election/">https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/01/2...
46/
On February 29, 2020, the US and Taliban agreed to a peace deal. Excluding the Afghan government and its people, the deal is considered a huge victory for the brutal Taliban, who are expected to return to power upon the exit of US troops. https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-03-06/taliban-afghanistan-peace-deal-trump-pullout">https://www.latimes.com/opinion/s...
On February 29, 2020, the US and Taliban agreed to a peace deal. Excluding the Afghan government and its people, the deal is considered a huge victory for the brutal Taliban, who are expected to return to power upon the exit of US troops. https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-03-06/taliban-afghanistan-peace-deal-trump-pullout">https://www.latimes.com/opinion/s...
47/
In June 2020, 45 made efforts to reinvite Russia to the G7. The idea was quickly rejected by other G7 members.
Russia had been expelled from the G7 in response to its& #39; invasion of and annexation of Crimea. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/trumps-g7-invite-for-putin-will-encourage-more-war/">https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukr...
In June 2020, 45 made efforts to reinvite Russia to the G7. The idea was quickly rejected by other G7 members.
Russia had been expelled from the G7 in response to its& #39; invasion of and annexation of Crimea. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/trumps-g7-invite-for-putin-will-encourage-more-war/">https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukr...
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45 has spend 3 1/2 years:
- Isolating the US
- Flattering authoritarians
- Condemning US allies
- Conducting foreign policy in a inconsistent way, unanchored to American values
- Being outmaneuvered and outnegotiated by adversaries
Can the US survive four more years?
45 has spend 3 1/2 years:
- Isolating the US
- Flattering authoritarians
- Condemning US allies
- Conducting foreign policy in a inconsistent way, unanchored to American values
- Being outmaneuvered and outnegotiated by adversaries
Can the US survive four more years?
49/
46 tweets cannot adequately sum up the damage. Feel free to let me know about important foreign policy issues that I& #39;ve missed and I& #39;ll add them to this thread.
46 tweets cannot adequately sum up the damage. Feel free to let me know about important foreign policy issues that I& #39;ve missed and I& #39;ll add them to this thread.
50/
Oh, how could I forget this one?
In a meeting with Senators, the President referred to Haiti, El Salvador and African naitons as "shithole countries". This caused damage to US diplomatic relations to these nations, for obvious reasons. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/01/shithole-countries/580054/">https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/...
Oh, how could I forget this one?
In a meeting with Senators, the President referred to Haiti, El Salvador and African naitons as "shithole countries". This caused damage to US diplomatic relations to these nations, for obvious reasons. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/01/shithole-countries/580054/">https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/...
51/
At the end of 2019, the State Department is a shadow of its former self after an 18-month hiring freeze.
The Foreign Service has suffered from a concerted effort to push out career diplomatic staff in favor of unqualified political appointees. https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/03/07/state-department-vacancies-increase-embassy-security-risks-report-warns/">https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/03/0...
At the end of 2019, the State Department is a shadow of its former self after an 18-month hiring freeze.
The Foreign Service has suffered from a concerted effort to push out career diplomatic staff in favor of unqualified political appointees. https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/03/07/state-department-vacancies-increase-embassy-security-risks-report-warns/">https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/03/0...
52/
Since May 2018, 45 has been backing Juan Guaido over strong-man Nicolas Maduro. Threats and sanctions fell short. An odd plan to sabotage negotiations failed. And the US-backed uprising led by Guaido in April 2019 embarrassingly failed to materialize https://www.vox.com/world/2019/5/3/18528083/venezuela-guaido-maduro-trump-bolton-fail">https://www.vox.com/world/201...
Since May 2018, 45 has been backing Juan Guaido over strong-man Nicolas Maduro. Threats and sanctions fell short. An odd plan to sabotage negotiations failed. And the US-backed uprising led by Guaido in April 2019 embarrassingly failed to materialize https://www.vox.com/world/2019/5/3/18528083/venezuela-guaido-maduro-trump-bolton-fail">https://www.vox.com/world/201...
