Trump Calls Iran and North Korea 'Dictators', China and Russia 'Competitors'

Donald Trump, in his speech to Congress on Tuesday, February 10, strongly criticized the governments of Iran and North Korea, referring to China and Russia as competitors that the U.S. must stand against with 'undisputed power.' According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Trump continued to urge Congress to rectify the 'fundamental flaws' in the nuclear agreement with Iran. This is Trump's first annual address to Congress. His remarks primarily focused on domestic issues in the U.S., including rebuilding the country's aging infrastructure, the widespread drug crisis in some areas, and reforms to asylum policies, but he also addressed significant foreign challenges facing the U.S. He discussed 'rogue regimes, terrorist groups, and competitors like Russia and China' that 'challenge America's interests, values, and economy.' He stated that weakness is a path that will undoubtedly lead to confrontation, and America's undisputed power is the safest way to defend the country. Trump further stated that for this reason, he is asking Congress to end the 'dangerous confrontation with the country's defensive development' and allocate sufficient budget for the 'great American military.' His reference was to Congress's decision in recent years to rein in unchecked military spending. The U.S. President also mentioned the recent street protests in Iran that took place in various parts of the country. He said, 'When the people of Iran rose up against the crimes of a corrupt dictator, I did not remain silent. America stands with the brave people of Iran in their fight for freedom.' He urged Congress to help pass a law to amend the flaws in the JCPOA that lifted crippling Western sanctions against the country. Trump and many Republicans have criticized the nuclear agreement signed during Barack Obama's presidency. In his Wednesday speech, although he described the nuclear deal as 'terrible,' he has temporarily stepped back from his initial position of 'tearing up the JCPOA,' an action that experts believe could accelerate Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran claims it has no intention of building a nuclear bomb. He also spoke about the 'reckless pursuit' of North Korea's nuclear missile development, stating that this could soon pose a threat to the U.S. He referred to the Pyongyang government as a 'ruthless dictator' and said that America has launched a campaign to apply 'maximum pressure' against North Korea. Guantanamo Remains Open. Trump continued by stating that he has signed an order that keeps the U.S. security prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, open. 'In the past, we foolishly released hundreds of dangerous terrorists only to meet them again on the battlefields. One of them was al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS.' Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had previously been detained by U.S. forces in Baghdad but was handed over to Iraqi authorities in 2004 and released shortly thereafter. He said he recently signed an order and communicated to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to review the military detention policy and keep the Guantanamo prison facilities open again. This order contradicts Obama's directive to close Guantanamo, which was never fully implemented. The prison was established after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by order of George W. Bush to hold terrorists and suspects of terrorist operations. During Bush's presidency, over 500 people were released, and 197 others were released during Obama's term, with only 41 people currently held at Guantanamo. The report adds that Trump's first address to Congress comes after a tumultuous year for his administration. Trump and his Republican allies managed to pass and implement the tax reform law last year, the U.S. economy has seen a good shake-up, unemployment has reached its lowest level, and the stock market has thrived. However, his first year in office was marked by significant turnover among senior officials, disputes, and severe disagreements among government agencies. Trump's first year was also accompanied by a series of congressional criminal investigations into his campaign team's interactions with Russian officials. Four of these officials have also been charged with various offenses, including lying to the FBI or were found guilty or confessed to their guilt. One of them was Michael Flynn, Trump's former senior national security advisor. Additionally, Trump's popularity among Americans has dropped unprecedentedly in his first year, a decline not seen in the early stages of any previous presidency in the U.S. Experts and political observers say that his remarks reflect points previously made at the annual government and congressional meeting regarding the need for unity, bilateral cooperation, and the promotion of American values. However, observers say that Trump's provocative statements cannot continue, especially with congressional elections taking place in November of this year. Mr. Lanhee Chen, a former advisor to Mitt Romney, Obama's Republican rival in the 2012 presidential election, told the New York Times that 'such statements usually provide an opportunity for a fresh start, but they do not seem to help Trump or the upcoming elections.' Mr. Michael Beschloss, a presidential history expert, also told the Washington Post that 'the problem is that people no longer listen to Trump's words and never take him seriously like previous presidents. He has changed his position on various issues so much that even if he gives a good speech, people think he will not stand by his words until the end.' Annual government and congressional meetings are typically accompanied by questions and challenges from the opposing party, which are widely broadcast by the media. Joe Kennedy, a Democratic representative in Congress, accused Trump of spreading anxiety and fear among many American citizens. He said, 'The first year under the banner of bipartisan cooperation and politics can be forgiven as a chaotic year, but the issue is much more than that. This government not only targets laws that support us but is also at odds with many ideas that make us worthy of support.' Joe Kennedy is one of the youngest members of the famous Kennedy political dynasty in America who has entered politics.