In a recent interview with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, President Donald Trump displayed his signature conversational style, veering off-topic while making bold assertions about the global landscape.
During the discussion, Trump remarked on an issue regarding China, emphasizing his persistent theme of moral equivalence between the United States and authoritarian regimes.
Bartiromo brought up the arrest of Chinese nationals accused of smuggling biological materials that pose a threat to the U.S. food supply. In a dismissive tone, Trump brushed aside the gravity of the situation, asserting it could simply involve a few ‘whackos.’
When pressed about China’s history of hacking and theft, including cyber intrusions into American telecommunications and the distribution of fentanyl, Trump responded with a provocative question: ‘You don’t think we do that to them?’ His cavalier dismissal of accusations against China exemplified a broader argument he has made previously, portraying the United States as inherently flawed and fundamentally comparable to its adversaries.
He continued, asserting, ‘That’s the way the world works. It’s a nasty world.’ This perspective, while perhaps acknowledging the complexities of international relations, simplifies the reality of America’s role on the global stage.
As a scholar with over three decades of experience in international relations, I can attest that we inhabit a world fraught with moral ambiguity. However, I find it troubling that a sitting U.S. president equates America with regimes that lack democratic values and human rights.
This tendency is not new for Trump, as it echoes his earlier comments when he defended Vladimir Putin in 2017. In that exchange, Trump recoiled when Bill O’Reilly called Putin a ‘killer,’ interjecting, ‘We’ve got a lot of killers. What do you think? Our country’s so innocent?’
This pattern of moral relativism raises questions about Trump’s foreign policy approach and his ability to draw necessary moral distinctions. It is not merely a tendency; it reflects a lack of consistent principles, suggesting that he is willing to cast aside established norms for the sake of momentary relevance or strategic gain.
Trump’s dismissals of America’s unique responsibilities—as a nation founded on principles of liberty and democracy—undermine the moral authority the United States holds in the world. By equating the U.S. with authoritarian regimes, he risks eroding the very foundation of American leadership on the global stage.
If Trump were to acknowledge the United States as a nation with critical ethical responsibilities, he would be compelled to confront the aggressive actions of both Russia and China head-on. This would require a robust national security strategy that prioritizes the long-term interests of the nation rather than fleeting political wins.
Furthermore, Trump’s catastrophizing portrayal of America creates a narrative of despair rather than one of hope and resilience. By framing U.S. society as plagued by chaos and dysfunction, he promotes a worldview that reflects the cynicism he often espouses.
This narrative is not only deceptive but also detrimental to the democratic process, encouraging citizens to adopt a victim mentality. It fosters a sense of hopelessness that runs counter to the obligations of citizenship and democratic engagement.
While critics and supporters of Trump may disagree on various points, one thing remains true: the self-flagellation that characterizes his comments about America is not warranted.
The United States possesses a rich history shaped by its achievements in democracy, global cooperation, and humanitarian efforts. While acknowledging its flaws, it is vital to recognize the nation’s unique position and the values that continue to resonate both domestically and abroad.
As we navigate a tumultuous global landscape, it is our duty as citizens to defend our nation’s integrity, rejecting the narrative that undermines American exceptionalism.
Ultimately, we live in an America influenced by Trump’s approach, but we do not have to accept his pessimistic portrayal of the United States.
We are more than just another country in a ruthless international system; we are a nation built on ideals of freedom, democracy, and global responsibility, representing a beacon of hope in the world.
image source from：theatlantic
