And it came to pass, barely a few seconds after he became the almost-inevitable Republican presidential nominee, that Donald Trump began his first formal foreign policy speech about how he would deal with foreign allies.

While trumpeting America’s role in winning World War II and the Cold War, Trump simultaneously pronounced that "America first", will be the major and overriding theme of his administration.  Diplomats have repeatedly stated that Mr Trump does not display any willingness to learn or to correct his speeches.  For someone who claims that he is ready to lead the free world, that is inexcusable and therefore he should not be trusted.

Only last week, after landslide Republican primary victories, Donald Trump started clarifying his foreign policy that has alarmed nearly every foreign ally of the United States. Critics argued that his speech did not exhibit much grasp of the complexity of the world, the understanding of the exercise of power, or even a careful reading of history.

He is quoted as saying that he is going to be working very closely with America’s allies in the Muslim world, all of which are at risk of radical Islamic violence. But how will he expand cooperation with the Muslim world for his unpredictable war on the Islamic State while enforcing a long hiatus that prevents Muslims from entering America, and forcing those already living in the States to register themselves?

Muslims apart, Donald Trump has now decided to begin a gender war. Referring to Hillary Clinton, he said that the only thing she’s got going is the women’s card! He has already analyzed Clinton’s entire public career and decided that her weakest point was the possibility of being the first woman American president!

It is true that politicians have a tendency to get carried away when making speeches. This poor guy hasn’t got anything substantial to talk about except real estate. I think he is suffering from a severe lack of cards.

 

Jos Edmond Zarb

Birkirkara