Striking remarks from Donald Trump: 'President Erdoğan is my friend and someone I respect'

Trump held a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after Congress certified his 2024 presidential election victory.

In his speech, Trump made significant statements regarding both domestic and foreign policy, addressing several critical issues ranging from Syria to Gaza, and Mexico to Russia.

Trump recalled that during his first presidential term, he defeated the terrorist organization ISIS in Syria and withdrew the majority of U.S. troops from the country.

Responding to a question about the future of the 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, Trump said, "I won't tell you that because it's part of a military strategy. However, I can say that this is a situation related to Turkey."

Trump stated that he is a friend of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, adding, "He is someone I respect. I think he respects me too."

"HELL WILL BREAK LOOSE"

Addressing the hostages in the Gaza Strip, Trump stated that if the hostages are not released when he takes office, hell will break loose in the Middle East, adding, "This will not be good for Hamas, and frankly, it won't be good for anyone."

Steve Witkoff, the Middle East Special Envoy for the Trump era, stated that significant progress has been made in negotiations for the release of the hostages and that they expect positive developments soon.

GULF OF MEXICO STATEMENT

Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." Arguing that this change would symbolize U.S. influence in the region, Trump also reiterated his threat to impose tariffs on Mexico unless it increases border security and prevents illegal immigration.

TRUMP SIGNALS PARDONS

Trump said he is considering the possibility of pardoning defendants charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Stating, "I will issue major pardons," Trump noted that they are also reviewing those accused of violent crimes, adding, "There are people who didn't even enter the building but are currently in jail. We will look at the whole issue."

TOUCHED ON THE WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE

Making statements regarding the Russia-Ukraine War, Trump warned that the war could escalate. Criticizing President Joe Biden's diplomatic approach, Trump said the war "could become much more complicated." Stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to talk, Trump noted that it would not be appropriate to have this meeting before he assumes the presidency, adding, "This war should never have happened. If I were president, it definitely would not have happened."

DATA CENTER INVESTMENT

Trump announced a $20 billion data center investment plan with DAMAC Properties. Stating that the investment will focus on states such as Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, Trump said these projects will contribute to the development of artificial intelligence and cloud-based technologies. Trump also promised to expedite bureaucratic processes for companies wishing to invest $1 billion or more in the U.S.

PROMISE OF ENERGY AND PRICE REDUCTIONS

Trump announced plans to make radical cuts in food and energy prices by increasing energy production. Stating, "We will lower prices and you will see quite sharp price cuts," Trump emphasized that he has a specific goal of lowering food prices.

TARGETED THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

Targeting Biden's foreign policy strategies, Trump said he failed in the Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine crises. Claiming that Biden's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan emboldened Russia, Trump said, "Now the world is burning."

GREENLAND AND THE PANAMA CANAL

In his victory speech after winning the election, Trump, who said, "I will not start wars, I will stop wars," reiterated his goal to control both the Panama Canal and Greenland. Trump openly expressed the idea of resorting to military force to achieve these goals for the first time.

When asked whether he would choose "military or economic coercion" to gain control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, Trump said, "No, I cannot give you a guarantee on either of these two issues. However, I can say this: we need them for economic security."

Speaking about plans to regain control of the Panama Canal, Trump criticized former President Jimmy Carter, saying, "The Panama Canal is a disgrace. Jimmy Carter gave the Canal away for $1 to make them happy." Trump stated that Carter's decision to hand over the Panama Canal was a major loss for the U.S. and argued that it is necessary to regain control of the canal. The Panamanian government had previously rejected this proposal.

CANADA STATEMENT

When asked if he was considering using military force against Canada, after claiming that Canada should be a U.S. state, Trump replied, "No, economic power," and criticized the U.S. spending on Canadian goods and the military support the U.S. provides to Canada, one of its closest allies.

Trump also stated that NATO allies should allocate 5 percent of their gross domestic product to defense spending.

News Source: İHA