1. Long-Term US Presence in Venezuela
When questioned about his tenure in Venezuela, Trump stated it would last “much longer” than one year.
Initially, following the operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro, Trump claimed the US was “running” Venezuela, though his cabinet members quickly tried to minimize the US’s involvement in its governance. Despite this, Trump has consistently maintained that he is “in charge.”
Despite criticisms that the operation in Caracas contravened international law, Trump remarked, “I don’t need international law.”
When asked about any limitations on his international powers, he cited, “My own morality. My own mind.”
Trump claimed he had a good relationship with interim president Delcy Rodríguez, emphasizing that the US would be extracting oil from Venezuela while also “providing money to Venezuela, which they desperately need.”
2. Acquiring Greenland vs. NATO Alliance
In the wake of the Venezuela attack, Trump has renewed his calls for acquiring Greenland, hinting military action isn’t off the table. He has posed the matter as a national security issue; however, when pressed about utilizing existing treaties for troop deployments, Trump insisted on US ownership.
He asserted that ownership grants a psychological advantage over a mere lease or treaty, feeling it is necessary for success.
When asked whether acquiring Greenland or maintaining the NATO alliance was more critical, Trump chose not to respond, acknowledging it might be a trade-off between the two. While Greenland, previously governed by Denmark, is a NATO member, Trump dismissed the alliance’s efficacy without US involvement.
“We will always get along with Europe, but I want them to improve … NATO doesn’t concern Russia as much as it does us,” he stated.
3. Current Safety of Taiwan
When asked if actions in Venezuela could incite China to invade Taiwan, Trump dismissed parallels between the situations, highlighting that Taiwan did not face drug crises or open jails like Venezuela.
Post-Venezuela operation, commentators in China viewed it as an illustration of how an invasion of Taiwan might unfold, with leaders in the UK and Europe suggesting that the US’s actions could embolden China.
However, Trump seemed unconcerned about this threat, suggesting it was up to Xi Jinping to decide. He asserted he would be “very unhappy” with any shift in Taiwan’s status, but didn’t think Xi would act while Trump is president.
4. Potential Expiration of Nuclear Arms Control Treaty
Trump indicated he might allow the last US-Russia strategic arms control treaty to lapse, not confirming if he would accept Putin’s prior offer to maintain nuclear deployment limits afterward.
“If it expires, it expires,” Trump stated regarding the 2010 New Start accord, due to end in February. He added, “We’ll just do a better agreement.”
Concerns arise that both nations may exceed strategic warhead limits post-expiration. Trump has expressed interest in including China, which is rapidly expanding its nuclear capabilities, in a new treaty.
5. Casual and Candid Trump
Throughout a nearly two-hour interview, Trump exhibited various personas, described as a “complainer,” “father figure,” and “gracious host,” while engaging with journalists and serving drinks.
Transcripts from the interview reveal a president who embraces the freedom that comes with his position, unbound by the norms followed by his predecessors.
He candidly shared his viewpoints and, when informed about a call from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, silenced the group conspiratorially and took the call in front of the journalists.
Even regarding his health—a topic that typically frustrates him—Trump appeared relaxed, humorously responding that he “probably should” consider weight-loss medications like Ozempic.
