President Donald Trump has warned that Washington will use its military power against threats in the Western Hemisphere while highlighting new security arrangements involving Greenland…reports Asian Lite News Desk
US President Donald Trump told the United Nations General Assembly that Washington would use its military power to protect American interests in the Western Hemisphere, while outlining a foreign policy centred on national sovereignty, opposition to global governance and stronger US security commitments.
Addressing the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump warned against foreign powers and criminal networks establishing a foothold close to US borders.
“The United States will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. And if necessary, we will use our unmatched military might to secure the vital national interests of the United States,” Trump said.
Trump also focused on drug cartels, saying his administration had designated them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and authorised US military action against them. He compared the cartels with the Islamic State militant group, saying they represented a threat to regional security.
“Upon taking office, I designated the drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and unleashed the U.S. Armed Forces to eliminate them. The cartels are the ISIS of the Western Hemisphere — NOT good people. They are enemies at war with civilization, using murder, rape, torture, and extortion as instruments of terror. Like ISIS, they should be killed, exiled, or detained as enemy combatants without the possibility of release,” he said.
Trump’s comments came as his administration has stepped up its campaign against drug trafficking networks in the region. He has also sought greater cooperation with regional governments through a US backed anti cartel coalition.
Turning to Arctic security, Trump highlighted an agreement signed by the United States, Denmark and Greenland on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
“As I announced just days ago, the U.S. has also reached an unprecedented agreement regarding the Northern Frontier of North America, the large and strategically vital piece of land known as Greenland. This agreement, made with the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland itself, gives the U.S. permanent control over security, and all other needs, on that territory. We will have the complete ability to do what is necessary to defend the American Continent. No U.S. adversary will EVER be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments there, without our express approval,” Trump said.
The agreement amends existing US Danish defence arrangements and provides US forces with expanded rights of access and movement in Greenland. It also establishes a permanent framework for the defence arrangements and includes provisions concerning security, investment screening and potential future Greenlandic independence.
Trump said the arrangement would strengthen security for both the United States and Europe.
“By expanding America’s footprint in the Arctic and North Atlantic, this deal also protects Europe in addition to America. It greatly enhances NATO — which is now growing stronger than ever before,” he said.
The agreement was signed by Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen. Denmark and Greenland have described the arrangement as strengthening security cooperation while maintaining Greenland’s right to self determination.
Trump also criticised the Cuban government, accusing it of maintaining links with left wing and communist networks in the United States.
“The Cuban regime has also spent decades coordinating with left-wing radicals and Communist networks here in the United States. As our State Department has detailed, they have cultivated ties to subversive and radical groups such as the Communist Party USA, Antifa, and the Dumocrat Socialists of America,” he said.
On wider questions of international governance, Trump reiterated his opposition to what he described as global authority and international taxation.
“There is no global government, and while I am President, there will be NO GLOBAL TAXES,” he said.
Trump concluded his address by referring to the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary and linking it to his emphasis on national sovereignty and freedom.
“Freedom was not a gift that Americans won easily, and after 250 years, it is not one we will ever surrender,” he said.
The White House said Trump’s address focused on American sovereignty, military strength and confronting security threats.
