‘Hell will break loose’ if Hamas hostages don’t return

WASHINGTON-

US President-elect Donald Trump held an omnibus news conference at his Florida estate on Tuesday, where he outlined his positions on key foreign policy issues as he prepares to take office in two weeks.

He forcefully called for the release of hostages captured in Israel more than a year ago by the militant group Hamas, insisting – six times – that “all hell would break loose” otherwise.

The Palestinian group’s stunning terrorist attack on civilians in Israel sparked a brutal conflict that has since inflamed the region and killed tens of thousands of civilians.

His Middle East envoy had, moments earlier, joined Trump at the podium to brief reporters on his recent high-level talks in the region, saying his team was “close” to reaching an agreement and that he would return in the next few days. .

“I don’t want to hurt your negotiations,” Trump told Steve Witkoff. “But if they don’t come back by the time I take office, all hell will break loose in the Middle East, and that won’t be good for Hamas or, frankly, anyone.”

Regarding Ukraine, he expressed interest in a meeting with the Russian leader and reiterated his commitment to “resolving the conflict in Ukraine.” Trump did not explain how he would do this.

Asked about a key demand of Ukraine’s peace plan – that it be allowed to join NATO – Trump replied: “My view is that it was always understood” that Ukraine would not be admitted into the security alliance.

He reiterated his tariff threats against Canada and Mexico and his position that Canada should be a U.S. state, and he proposed a name change, saying: “We are going to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of Mexico.” ‘America. »

Thessalia Merivaki, an associate professor at Georgetown University, said Trump often uses bluster as a strategy.

“So Trump has a history of just throwing out controversial ideas and positions to get attention and generate interest and media coverage,” she said.

Foreign policy

Trump did not specify how the United States would take control of Greenland, the large North American island that is an autonomous territory of Denmark. On Tuesday, he reiterated his position that “we need it for economic security.”

When asked directly whether he would commit not to use military or economic coercion to support his increasingly voluble desire to control Greenland and, also, the Panama Canal, Trump replied: ” I can’t guarantee you either. »

Trump has accused Panama of violating the treaty under which the United States ceded control of the famous canal more than four decades ago, during President Jimmy Carter.

“Giving the Panama Canal to Panama was a very big mistake,” Trump said. “Giving that away was a horrible thing, and I think that’s why Jimmy Carter lost the election.”

Trump added that he loved Carter “as a man.” He is expected to attend Carter’s state funeral Thursday in Washington. President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy.

First day and beyond

Trump also said he would “issue major pardons” on his first day in office, when asked about his previous pledge to grant clemency to some of the more than 1,500 people charged with crimes related to the Capitol riot on January 6. , 2021.

He also reiterated past pledges to loosen what he called the “quagmire” of U.S. environmental regulations and clear the way for billionaire investors.

He described his reelection as a “landslide” for winning the electoral college and popular vote, although official results showed he did not win a majority of the vote as third-party candidates lost votes. He promised that future election results would be counted earlier on election night.

He reiterated his vow to “drill, baby drill” on his first day in office by rescinding Biden’s recent orders aimed at protecting against offshore drilling.

He accused Biden of botching his foreign policy, saying: “Now I’m going into a world that’s burning. »

Trump will take office on January 20.

Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.