In contrast with (or denial of) his grandiose “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan, President Donald Trump has now revealed his latest political isolationist goals (Dec. 19, “Trump Outlines New National Security Strategy That Stresses ‘America First’ Campaign Plan”). This follows his economic isolationism (summarized in the Post-Gazette editorial “Going Their Own Way,” Dec. 19) and his scientific isolationism (the denial of global warming accepted by every other national government). These policies indicate contempt of our previously allied friendly countries and denial of the realities of the close interdependence of the modern world.
America’s basic security and the preservation of our way of life are closely tied to the other free democracies that were our close friends and allies pre-Trump. They can no longer depend on us, as stated by German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier this year. Contrast this with Vladimir Putin’s attempts to “Make Russia Great Again” by every possible military alliance or invasion or economic process, or with China’s economic expansionism. Mr. Trump’s penchant to build luxurious hotels and golf courses abroad seems unrelated to his foreign policy goals.
Restoring 19th-century isolationism is obsolete and contrary to our national interest. Is our partisan Congress capable of correcting this in time?
JOHN H. FEIST
Oakland
