United States President Donald Trump stated in a recent interview with The New York Times that he does not need international law to guide the United States’ actions abroad and that his own morality is the primary limit on his global decisions. Trump made the remarks while discussing recent U.S. operations, including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other international engagements. When asked whether he must follow international law, he said that it depends on the definition of international law and suggested he would interpret it according to his own judgment.
He emphasized that he is not seeking to harm anyone and that his personal moral judgment is the main restraint on his actions. These comments have raised concerns among global leaders and legal experts, as critics argue that disregarding international law could undermine established norms, threaten sovereignty, and set a controversial precedent for U.S. foreign policy, especially in the context of ongoing international disputes and military interventions.