In the past few weeks, Donald Trump has moved from outrageous political anomaly to the frontrunner in the race for the Republican nomination. Across the country Trump’s persona as a straightforward businessman and street-smart tough guy has hit a nerve with Americans who seem to be more than willing to ignore Trump’s multiple comments and sound bites that, in the past, would have cast a politician to the sidelines.
In particular, one comment made by Trump should’ve been the nail in the coffin for any legitimate presidential campaign. During a phone interview with a Fox News talk show, Trump was asked about how he would handle the threat of Assad and ISIS and responded by criticizing the “politically correct war” that the current Obama administration was fighting. Trump went on to say that the only way to take care of ISIS was to forgo worries about civilian casualties and, in a direct quote, claimed that “When you get these terrorists, you have to take out their families.” Trump’s rationale seemed to be that “taking out the families” of terrorists was the only way to stop them, saying that terrorists “care about their lives, don’t kid yourself.”
Trump’s comments are in direct conflict with multiple international laws concerning civilians and war. In fact, were Trump to actively “take care of” innocent civilians ISIS was using as “shields,” he would be committing an international war crime. Trump’s campaign later issued a statement conceding that he “understands that the United States is bound by law and treaties” and that “it is clear that as President I will be bound by laws just like all Americans and I will meet those responsibilities.”
While the campaign no doubt would’ve hoped such a statement would be enough to bury Trump’s comments in the sand, I can’t help but notice that in his entire statement Trump does not mention any personal regret or reversal in his opinions, but rather he admits that due international law he is “bound” to not go after terrorists’ families or civilians.
The fact that a serious presidential candidate can appear on national television and propose a policy that violates international treaties, and constitutes a war crime, without any legitimate repercussions in his poll numbers in not only astounding but borderline terrifying. With so many outrageous Donald Trump quotes floating around in the minds of the Americans, it’s important to actually pay attention to what Trump, the uncensored man, is actually saying. Sure, Trump conceded that he was “bound” by the law, but doesn’t America deserve a President who doesn’t look at our county’s laws as restrictive chains, but rather as the guiding principles the country is based on?
With more primary results rolling in every week, be sure to remember not just Trump’s slogans, but his actual opinions.
