“Ptotal earthquake” characterizes the result of the American diplomat John Negroponteborn in London to Greeks of the Diaspora, who has served as US ambassador to the UN, ambassador to Iraq (2004-2005) and deputy foreign minister under president George Bush of the youngest. Mr. Negroponte, who spoke to “To Vima” the day after the American elections, will be in Athens on November 20 to participate in a discussion organized by the Delphi Economic Forum.
By the end of the election campaign, the polls were recording a close battle between the two candidates. Did you expect such a clear victory for Trump?
“Listen, in America we have a political earthquake. And there’s an issue with polls, in recent years they seem to be misreading political sentiment. I think the pollsters underestimated his power. We knew the battle was close, but no one expected such a resounding victory. One of the things I’ve learned after all these years in politics is that it’s a lot more unpredictable than we think. Because we are dealing with people, with human behaviors.”
How do you explain Trump’s appeal despite his condemnation by the Justice? Isn’t it ironic that a billionaire has so much appeal to the average American?
“Indeed, but Trump has found a way to communicate with him. The financial situation of many Americans has changed due to globalization and in the lower and middle economic classes. I can’t remember any other Republican president with such resonance in these strata.”
Why did the Republican Party rally behind Trump who is not a traditional Republican? Why weren’t voices like yours, who in 2016 and 2020 co-signed a letter with other Republican figures arguing that Trump is unfit for the presidency, not heard?
“Maybe because we represent the old Republican establishment, the ‘Rockefeller Republicans’, the ‘Reagan Republicans.’ Trump is dramatically changing the Republican Party. If he lost this election, I’d tell you it’s a fluke, but he got re-elected and that gives him the opportunity to put his stamp on the Republican Party. Look what he accomplished in his first term: he appointed the most conservative justices to the US Supreme Court, and the majority is now 6-3 (in favor of Trump), undermining the independence of the institution.”
How Much Did Immigration Contribute To Trump’s Victory?
“It’s an issue that concerns many Americans. We have lost control of our borders, and not just the southern border. People come to the USA not only from Central and South America, but from all over the world. We are not against immigrants, but immigration must follow a certain legal process.”
Are the Democrats responsible for this development?
“No, it is a situation that has been developing for many years.”
The EU congratulated Trump on his election, but is concerned. Does he have serious reasons?
“Yes, primarily because of the Ukrainian. Trump has a personal relationship with Putin. We do not know what he will do in terms of support for Ukraine, I am not suggesting that he will necessarily change his stance. Secondarily to the NATO issue, where he has threatened to “cut off” allies who fail to meet their financial obligations to the Alliance. In his previous term, Euro-American relations were ultimately not affected.
He maintains good relations with Greece, likes the Greek-American community. Greece is not one of the NATO countries he criticizes, you spend a lot on your defense. However, Europe and NATO countries should be ready to face his criticisms. ».
As for his attitude towards China what can we expect?
“I think his stance on economic policy will be tough. He says he wants to impose a 25% tariff on all imported goods. You know, Trump reminds me of President Nixon, as a young man I worked for the Nixon administration. And he sometimes thought out loud and said similar things, but the people who worked with him knew he didn’t mean it. Trump improvises all the time and we don’t know what he really means by what he says. And that’s a problem. However, Trump is not afraid of a trade war with China. This is his way of pressuring Beijing. He prefers the imposition of severe economic measures rather than military action. That is why he also has objections to the role of the US in the war in Ukraine.”
But he has said that military action may be needed to deal with the “enemy within” the US.
“I think that statement of his is just empty talk, ‘blah blah, blah.’ However, the American Justice system is strong enough to prevent such behavior. And Nixon had a list of his enemies, but he never went after anyone. Trump may seek to turn against some of the prosecutors who have called for his impeachment.”
How do you see developments in the Middle East with President Trump?
“In his previous term there were, I am referring to the Abraham Accords in September 2020 (s.s.: agreements to normalize relations between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco) which were also welcomed by the Democrats. Trump will offer more support to the government of Israel and toughen his stance on Iran, try to tighten the framework of economic sanctions that are already being imposed on Iran.”
There is concern that billionaire Elon Musk’s financial support to Trump will affect his administration. What do you think?
“There are American services, mainly telecommunications, that are customers of Musk. But there are also many billionaires in the US. I don’t think Musk will be the deciding factor. Trump is opinionated, he decides what he wants.”
Do you think Kamala Harris lost because she’s a woman, black, and Asian, or because she only had three months to campaign?
“Given the circumstances, . But Americans are not ready to entrust political power to women, beyond a point. In 2016 I was sure Hillary Clinton would win the election, she was a good secretary of state, she was qualified, but she lost. Harris is from a university family, with an excellent education, a successful lawyer and prosecutor, and she also lost. And, of course, we will never know what would have happened if Biden had not run for a second presidential term.”
