Senior Tories have condemned Donald Trump for his alignment with North Korea, China, and Belarus, criticizing his refusal to denounce Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Lord Heseltine warned that Trump’s actions could embolden authoritarian regimes. Former Tory leaders expressed concern over the implications for global peace. Kemi Badenoch adopted a more diplomatic view, emphasizing the need for strong ties with the U.S. despite recent disputes.
Senior Tory figures have criticized former President Donald Trump for allegedly forming a dangerous new alignment by siding with North Korea, China, and Belarus in declining to condemn Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Lord Heseltine expressed deep concern, suggesting that Trump’s actions could embolden those who threaten global peace, stating, “We have relied on American support which enabled us to defeat the fascists in the 1940s… now it has thrown an incentive not to peacekeepers but to those who threaten stability.”
The criticism follows the Trump administration’s refusal to support a UN resolution condemning the illegal invasion of Ukraine, which passed with considerable backing from European nations. This vote occurred shortly before key political visits by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to the United States. Notably, North Korea was previously labeled as part of the ‘axis of evil’ by former President George W. Bush.
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith lamented the situation, remarking that it was disheartening for the U.S. to align itself with regimes involved in atrocities, stating, “The ‘leader of the free world’ siding with totalitarian states guilty of murder… the great presidents of the past will be turning in their graves.” Meanwhile, former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind described Trump’s tactics as disgraceful yet indicative of his unpredictable style. He suggested that an invitation to Ukrainian President Zelensky might still yield positive outcomes despite the chaotic approach.
In a foreign policy address, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch maintained a more diplomatic stance, asserting that the U.S. is an ally and openly disagreeing with Trump’s comments about Zelensky being a dictator. She clarified that the U.S. acts in its national interests and expressed discontent with the recent UN voting behavior. Recently, Trump once again referred to Zelensky as a dictator and reiterated a critical stance toward U.S. involvement regarding Putin’s actions.
During a press brief with President Macron, Trump notably refrained from labeling Putin a dictator, asserting, “I do not use those words lightly… We will see what happens.” This statement reflects Trump’s ongoing reluctance to confront Putin directly. The backdrop of these discussions highlights the increasing tensions surrounding the U.S. stance on global conflicts and the implications of its leadership.
In summary, senior Tory leaders have voiced strong concerns regarding Donald Trump’s unorthodox foreign policy choices, emphasizing the risks posed by his alignment with authoritarian regimes. Lord Heseltine highlighted that Trump’s actions could incentivize threats to world peace, while former leaders lamented the potential ramifications of such alignments. The debate continues over the implications of the U.S. leadership style and its influence on global democratic values.
Original Source: www.the-independent.com
