Donald Trump’s latest foreign policy speech was less controversial than his past statements. Focusing on his strategy to defeat Daesh (ISIS) and “radical Islamic terrorism”, he appeared to back away from his Muslim ban, used less explicit language when discussing the connection between Obama’s policies and the rise of Daesh, and called for working with Muslim and NATO countries. The Twitter reactions were therefore less heated. Here are some reactions to the speech.
1 The alt-right loved the pro-Russia talk
The pro-Putin sympathies of the right-wing internet army backing Trump’s candidacy are well-known, and many alt-right tweeters loved Trump’s call to work more closely with Russia in the fight against Daesh.
TRUMP IN YOUNGSTOWN: "I believe that we could find common ground with Russia in the fight against ISIS."
2 Hillary won’t say ‘radical Islamic terrorism’
Trump made it clear in the speech that the fight he is calling for is against radical strains of Islam, and called on who he called “Muslim reformers” to join him in fighting Daesh, although many still label him Islamophobic for past statements. But the fact that he uttered the words “radical Islamic terrorism” earned him extra brownie points with many on the right who chastise Hillary Clinton for not labelling Daesh and other groups as such.
TRUMP in #Youngstown: "Anyone who cannot name our enemy is not fit to lead our country" pic.twitter.com/ibuktDMgKD
3 Not everyone is feeling the Putin
Trump reiterated his call to work more closely with Russia in the fight against Daesh, leading critics of Putin to slam him.
#morningjoe @msnbc Unbelievable Trump, presidential candidate, PROMOTING RUSSIA AGAIN!That's true take-away fr his "foreign" policy speech
4 The establishment
Trump’s speech didn’t include the calls to ban Muslims, allegations that Obama “founded” ISIS or praises of Saddam Hussein some of his past speeches have. It’s therefore no surprise that some established foreign policy commentators praised aspects of the speech, albeit measuredly.
Would be nice if media engaged with any of Trump's foreign policy ideas, like how regime change & nation-building have stoked global terror.
Clinton is leading Trump in most polls at present.
Adam Lucente
