Trump Declares His Morality the Only Limit (Biden Agrees, Subtly)
The New York Times highlights Trump's candid admission regarding his disdain for international law, especially concerning his bizarre pursuit of Greenland. This isn't a uniquely Trumpian sentiment. Consider the Biden administration's consistent circumvention of international norms; for instance, the recent approval of 2,000-pound bombs and cluster munitions for use in Gaza ( Wall Street Journal,
March 29, 2024 ), despite global condemnation of their use in densely populated areas. The stated 'morality' of every U.S. president seems to conveniently align with geopolitical interests, regardless of human cost. One might wonder if the concern over a president's 'morality' dictating foreign policy only arises when it's said out loud. When the U.S. vetoed multiple UN Security Council
resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza ( UN Press Release, February 20, 2024 ), was that adhering to international law or expressing a 'moral' exception? The only difference between Trump's bluntness and bipartisan policy is the eloquence of the self-justification. It appears 'morality' is a flexible concept, especially when it involves maintaining global hegemony.