(Observer News) On April 30, local time, the US "Times" published an exclusive interview with former US President Trump under the title "If He Wins". Trump refused to say whether the United States should "defend Taiwan" and reiterated that the United States will not help allies that "do not pay". When talking about the lawsuit he is facing, Trump said that the United States’ internal enemies are more dangerous than foreign opponents such as China and Russia.
Trump told "Times" and the host that if the United States' European or Asian allies do not spend enough on defense, the United States will not provide assistance.
Trump said at a campaign rally in South Carolina on February 10 that he would "encourage" Russia to "do whatever it wants" to NATO allies that have failed to meet their financial obligations. The White House criticized the remarks that day as "shocking and... Insanity”. The host
mentioned these remarks and said, "If Russia attacks a NATO country that you think does not spend enough on defense," will the United States provide assistance?
Trump responded that he wanted NATO allies to pay, but said that as a negotiating point. "I said to them, if you don't pay, you're on your own, we're not going to protect you... That's how you talk as a negotiator. I'm negotiating because I want them to pay," he added. He said that Europe and NATO have taken advantage of the United States on the Ukrainian issue. If even European countries do not spend money to support Ukraine, why should the United States pay? European countries are much more affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict than the United States, which is across the Atlantic Ocean.
The host then turned the conversation to Asia. He asked Trump whether the United States should defend Taiwan if China attacks Taiwan.
"I have been asked this question many times." Trump said that the reason why he refused to give a clear answer was because he did not want to reveal his trump card.
"As much as I wanted to speak out publicly, I never did because I didn't want to lose my negotiating power by providing such information to any journalist," he said. "If you did come forward and make a statement in some way, it would It will put you in a very bad situation."
In an interview with Fox News in January this year, Trump also answered questions about Taiwan. At that time, he refused to say whether the United States would help "defend Taiwan." He said that from the "presidential" position, it is impossible to say what is in his heart, because once he says it, he will be at a disadvantage during negotiations. The host
then talked about the issue of cost sharing for the US military in South Korea. Trump responded that the United States may now withdraw troops from South Korea because South Korea is a "very rich country" but has paid almost nothing for the 40,000 US soldiers stationed in South Korea. "I hope South Korea can treat us correctly."
But when it comes to Israel, Trump's support is much clearer. He said that if a conflict breaks out between Iran and Israel, the United States will intervene. Trump said he wanted Israel to resolve its conflict with Hamas as soon as possible. But he did not answer whether he would pressure Israel by withholding aid.
Trump is currently facing several criminal prosecutions and has also been issued a "gag order" by the court. Trump claimed that the "gag order" prevented him from expressing opinions on many important issues and violated the U.S. Constitution.
"You know, we're talking about internal enemies. I think in many cases, internal enemies are more dangerous to our country than China, Russia and various other external enemies." He said, "If the president is A good, reliable, suitable candidate, then you won't have big problems with China, Russia or other countries, but patients within our country will still cause problems."
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