From: officialflagrant
Donald Trump describes his approach to international relations as being “tough with other countries” while still maintaining good relationships with their leaders [00:33:40]. He asserts that under previous administrations, the United States was “ripped off by every nation in the world,” including “so-called allies,” particularly in trade [00:33:42]. He claims to have ended “dumbest trade deals” and made them “much better for the country” [00:34:01]. Trump acknowledges that not all international leaders are “sharks” but notes that many are “tough and… smart” [00:38:05]. He states that he “get[s] along with pretty much everybody” and that “the tougher they were the better [he] did with them” [00:48:03].
Specific International Relationships
China
Trump recounts imposing tariffs on China, which he claims brought in “hundreds of billions of dollars” to the U.S. [00:31:32]. He notes these tariffs are “still there” and would not exist without his actions [00:31:42]. He states he had a “very good” relationship with President Xi of China [00:48:18]. However, this changed after COVID-19 emerged, which Trump believes came “out of the labs” in China, leading him to be “not happy” [00:48:21]. He mentions an “unbelievable trade deal” requiring China to buy $50 billion of U.S. products annually, a deal he “don’t even talk about… because of COVID” [00:48:43]. He claims that President Biden has not pressured China to honor this deal, which has negatively impacted American farmers [00:49:01].
European Union (EU)
Trump asserts that the European Union was “almost as bad” as China in terms of unfair trade practices [00:35:06]. He described the EU as “ruthless in their trading” [00:35:15]. He cites an example with Angela Merkel, questioning why there were no Chevrolets in Berlin while the U.S. imported millions of Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles [00:35:17].
India
Trump considers Modi of India a friend, describing him as “the nicest human being” [00:37:30]. He notes that Modi “looks like he’s your father, he’s the nicest” but is a “total killer” when it comes to defending India’s interests [00:37:59]. He recalls an event in Houston, Texas, called “Howdy Modi,” where he and Modi filled a stadium with 80,000 people [00:37:10].
Iran
Trump states he “was rough with Iran” but wants to see them “do great” [02:09:59]. He believes Iran has an “open threat” against him and attributes the recent assassination attempt to them, based on shooters having foreign-based apps and cell phones [02:10:59]. He suggests that President Biden should threaten to “bomb that country into oblivion” if they harm a former president to deter such threats [00:30:22]. Trump also claims he “would have had a deal with Iran” [01:27:28].
Japan
Trump mentions renegotiating the trade deal with Japan with Shinzo Abe, who he describes as “incredible” and a “great man” and leader [00:34:10]. Abe acknowledged the trade deal was “one-sided” in Japan’s favor [00:34:39].
Russia
Trump states that Russia would “never have attacked Ukraine” if he were president [00:47:14]. He claims to have talked to Putin about it and “got along great with him” [00:47:19]. He references ending the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, questioning why the U.S. would defend Europe from Russia while Europe paid Russia “billions of dollars a month for oil” [00:47:23]. He criticizes Biden for reinstating the pipeline [00:47:48]. Despite perceptions of being “friends with Putin,” Trump claims Putin would say, “if you’re my friend I’d hate like hell to see you as my enemy,” and that he “put a lot of sanctions on” Russia [00:47:54].
South Korea
Trump also “redid the trade deal” with South Korea [00:34:12].
Peace Efforts
Trump claims his presidency saw “no wars in the whole world because of me” [01:19:18]. He states he stopped “a lot of wars” and saved “thousands of lives” by threatening to cut off business and impose tariffs on countries fighting each other [01:24:09]. He highlights his administration’s accomplishments with the Abraham Accords in the Middle East, stating that “diplomacy out in that region… hasn’t existed prior” [01:27:21]. He believes the world will not “end in the Middle East” under his leadership [01:27:54].
Nuclear Weapons
Trump expresses concern about nuclear war, calling it the “biggest threat we have in the world today” [00:38:36]. He states that during his presidency, the U.S. was “close to a deal for getting rid of nuclear weapons” with Russia and China, with the intention of bringing “everyone else into it” to “totally denuclearize” [00:39:19]. He mentions his uncle, Dr. John Trump, a nuclear scientist at MIT, who warned him about the danger of small briefcase-sized bombs destroying cities [00:40:02].