Former President Donald Trump has reignited discussions about his political future and foreign policy intentions in a recent interview with TIME magazine. He has even gone so far as to publicly float the idea that he’ll run for president in 2028. This is even with those constitutional constraints imposed by the 22nd Amendment. Further, Trump’s statements about Canada, Crimea and immigrants have all raised eyebrows and earned criticism at home and abroad.
In the interview, Trump suggested he is serious about making Canada the 51st state of the United States, a notion that Canada has consistently rejected. He reinforced his known position on Crimea, saying it is forever Russian. This claim is contrary to settled principles of international law. His comments have raised alarm among foreign policy experts and international observers about his grasp of important matters of global import.
Flirting with a Third Presidential Run
In a wide-ranging TIME interview, Trump shared his candid views about making a comeback in the nascent 2028 presidential contest. He stated, “I have more people begging me to run again, but I haven’t looked at even the possibility.” This interesting comment brings into play the 22nd Amendment, which forbids any president from serving more than two 4-year terms. Though he has yet to make an official announcement, as long as he remains in the public eye, many believe he remains a player for 2024 and beyond.
Trump’s comments have ranged from absurd to bizarre, prompting speculation as to what the President is actually intending to do. He acknowledged that he does not intend to take advantage of any “loopholes” to run for a third term. Rather, he seems more interested in shoring up his own power and clout within the GOP and his loyal base. His assertion that “the country would be making a fortune” if he were to return to office underscores his belief in the economic benefits of his policies.
Controversial Views on Canada and Crimea
In that wide-ranging candid exchange, among other things, Trump raised eyebrows when he called for Canada to be the United States’ 51st state. He remarked, “We don’t need their lumber. We don’t need their energy. We don’t need anything from Canada. And I say the only way this thing really works is for Canada to become a state.” This incendiary claim led to sharp denunciations from Canadian government authorities who have long rejected any suggestion that they would ever tolerate U.S. annexation of the territory.
Trump also commented on Ukraine and Crimea, stating, “If Crimea will stay with Russia — we have to only talk about Crimea because that’s the one that always gets mentioned.” This position is at odds with international norms and the decades-old U.S. policy that opposes Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Trump’s stance could complicate diplomatic relations with Ukraine and further alienate allies who support Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Earlier in the week, Trump reiterated that “Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea,” indicating an awareness of the complexities surrounding this issue. His comments herald a welcome shift in U.S. foreign policy. This change should concern anyone who values a classical conception of international law.
Immigration and Economic Policies
In the March 2016 interview, Trump focused on immigration topics and questions. In particular, he underscored the plight of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant who was wrongfully deported home to El Salvador. He also made clear that he has not asked President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador to assist in returning Garcia. This is even after a recent Supreme Court ruling requiring just such actions.
Trump bragged, “I’m doing more than what I campaigned on.” He indicated that his policies now match his 2016 campaign promises about the need for immigration reform. As many critics have pointed out, disregard for Supreme Court decisions is contrary to the rule of law.
In terms of economic policy, Trump discussed his recent initiatives, including a 90-day pause on new tariffs implemented on various countries. He boasted of signing “200 agreements” with domestic companies and foreign nations in the wake of this freeze. This has included playing hardball with Saudi Arabia on negotiations around deepening conversations over the Abraham Accords. This would underscore his desire to reengage in diplomacy and perhaps expand U.S. alliances.
“I may go in very willingly if we can’t get a deal. If we don’t make a deal, I’ll be leading the pack.” – TIME’s Trump interview
Turning aside deeply held bilateral animosities, Trump’s approach foregrounds negotiation over confrontation. We are glad that he clearly sees that diplomatic solutions are always better alternatives to military action. He expressed openness to revisiting agreements with countries if necessary: “Some countries may come back and ask for an adjustment, and I’ll consider that.”
