Indian Thought Latest News & Views
Washington: US President Donald Trump leads the world’s most powerful nation, yet his style of governance often flouts diplomatic norms, veering into arrogance and arbitrary (Handedness! ) action. Threatening a country or an institution has become a habit for him. Having previously issued threats regarding business and warfare, Trump has now used intimidation to get his way regarding the FIFA World Cup—a move facing strong opposition across Europe.
In fact, Trump’s modus operandi is to exert such immense pressure on the opposing party right from the start that they are forced onto the back foot. Let us look at when, where, and against whom Trump has directed his threats.
Interference in the FIFA World Cup
Let us first discuss Donald Trump’s interference in the FIFA World Cup. Following Trump’s intervention, FIFA rescinded the red card issued to US star forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup match against Belgium. The US had defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 match, during which Balogun was shown a red card in the 64th minute. Under FIFA rules, a player receiving a red card is barred from the subsequent match; however, FIFA’s disciplinary committee abruptly reversed the decision. This means Balogun will continue playing in the World Cup, with the suspension taking effect only after the tournament concludes. Reports suggest that Donald Trump was directly involved in this decision; he spoke to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and the entire situation was overturned. Meanwhile, UEFA, the governing body of European football, has strongly opposed this decision. “We could wipe them all out in one go”
During the Iran conflict, Donald Trump frequently issued threats through his statements and on social media. When massive crowds gathered for Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral in Iran, Trump made a controversial statement: “If we wanted, we could wipe them all out in one go, but then who would be left to negotiate?” Trump expressed surprise at seeing Iranians weeping at Khamenei’s funeral; he had previously believed that people “hated” Khamenei. Trump remarked sarcastically, “Perhaps these are fake tears.”
A civilization is going to die tonight
During the Iran conflict, Trump had announced plans to completely obliterate the country’s infrastructure. Furthermore, he set a deadline for Iran regarding a ceasefire, stating that he would destroy the nation if it did not comply. Now, in a social media post, Trump has stated that a civilization is going to die tonight. Donald Trump said, “Tonight, an entire civilization will die—one that can never be brought back. I do not want this to happen, but it likely will. May God protect the great people of Iran!”
Warning to NATO: ‘Remember Greenland’
Donald Trump also threatened NATO allies. During the Iran conflict, he stated bluntly, “NATO was of no use to us when we needed them, and if we need them again, they won’t be there either.” He added, “Remember Greenland!” He had previously told European nations that if they did not spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense, the US would not protect them and would give Russia a free hand to “do whatever it wants” with them.
Make a deal before it’s too late
Donald Trump also issued a threat to Cuba, urging the country to reach an agreement. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, he announced that Cuba would no longer receive oil or money. He noted that while Cuba had long relied on Venezuelan oil and financial aid, circumstances have now changed. Threatening Cuban leaders, Trump urged them to strike a deal before it is too late.
‘Tariff Bomb’ on BRICS and India
Upon assuming power for the second time, Donald Trump caused a stir on the trade front. He issued an open threat to BRICS nations, warning that if member countries implemented policies opposing the US, they should be prepared to face the consequences. Trump imposed heavy tariffs on 11 countries, including India and China. Regarding India, he remarked that it has traditionally been one of the nations with the highest tariffs in the world and that doing business there is extremely difficult. Additionally, he announced the imposition of tariffs on Mexico and Canada.
Called Kim Jong-un ‘Little Rocket Man’
The conflict between Donald Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un during Trump’s first term in 2017 is a matter of historical record. Issuing a stern warning to North Korea, Trump stated that if the country threatened the US, it would face “fire and fury” the likes of which the world had never seen. He also publicly referred to Kim Jong-un as “Little Rocket Man.”
