France's defense chief called Trump's statements a "kick in the ass" to Europe
US President Donald Trump's statements about Greenland and the Panama Canal should be a "kick in the ass" for the leaders of European countries. This was stated by the head of the French Defense Ministry Sebastien Lecornu on January 21 on the air of Radio France Inter.
According to him, European states should start thinking about the formation of a European defense system independent of the United States.
"For European capitals, to put it crudely, this is a serious kick in the ass because for many decades, including the 1960s at the beginning of the Cold War, there has always been a temptation to position themselves under the American nuclear umbrella," he commented.
Lecornu also expressed hope that after Trump's statement, European countries will become like France and stop entrusting their security to the United States.
"Maybe the harshness of the American president's words can finally lead to a shock and a realization," he concluded.
Earlier on January 20, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejected statements by inaugurated US President Trump about his intention to gain control of the Panama Canal and emphasized its ownership by the country. In his inaugural speech, Trump promised to return the Panama Canal to the United States and rename the Gulf of Mexico as the American Canal. The Panamanian president separately emphasized that "there is not a single country in the world that would interfere" in the management of the canal.
Trump in the rotunda of the Capitol took the oath of office, becoming the 47th President of the United States, reports "Gazeta.Ru". Along with him, Vice President Jay Dee Vance was sworn in. This is the second presidential term of Trump, the first time he was the American leader in 2017-2021. In his inaugural speech, the new US President announced the beginning of the "golden age of America".
The election of the 47th president of the United States was held on November 5. In the national vote, Trump received 51% of the vote, while former US Vice President Kamala Harris received 47.4%. Speaking to supporters, the Republican said that his goal as head of state considers the end of military conflicts in the world.
