Donald Trump’s Foreign Policy: From Illicit Deals to Uninhibited Support of Erdogan
Donald Trump's Foreign Policy: From Illicit Deals to Uninhibited Support of Erdogan
Donald Trump’s foreign policy has been a contentious issue, often characterized by a lack of adherence to established norms and legal frameworks. Perhaps the most egregious example of this is the case of Halkbank, a Turkish financial institution, which offers a window into the intricacies and complexities of Trump's approach to international relations and the rule of law. This article will delve into the details of Halkbank's financial crimes, the behind-the-scenes dealings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the understandable question of why Trump’s actions have not led to impeachment.
The Halkbank Scandal and Turkish Corrupt Practices
According to the Department of Justice, Halkbank was indicted in October 2019 on fraud, money laundering, and sanctions evasion related to Iran. The allegations touch on transactions involving billions of dollars, sneaking past U.S. sanctions. However, these investigations were not a priority for the incoming Trump administration. In 2016, Turkey's President Erdogan faced the possibility of U.S. indictments, and he reached out to U.S. Vice President Joe Biden to dismiss evidence and drop the case.
During a press conference, Vice President Biden clarified the official U.S. stance: 'I suspect it’s hard for people to understand that as powerful as my country is as powerful as Barack Obama is as president he has no authority under our Constitution to extradite anyone. Only a federal court can do that. Nobody else can do that. If the president were to take this into his own hands, what would happen would be he would be impeached for violating the separation of powers.'
A Clear Contrast: Trump and the Rule of Law
Under a traditional president, such as Obama, the steps to address these allegations would have been legally robust and constitutionally necessary. However, under Trump, the manipulation of justice and complete disregard for legal processes became a norm. This decision to ignore the legal process and the power of the federal court set a new precedent. It also opened the door for Erdogan to further his own corrupt schemes, including involving Trump’s top administration officials.
The Trump-Erdogan Relationship: A Source of Controversy
The ties between Trump and Erdogan have been a focal point of criticism from many quarters. The supposed seismic shift in the relationship between the two leaders does not escape the scrutiny of international observers. Business interests, such as Trump’s Trump Towers in Istanbul, and long-standing business deals with Ankara, have only added fuel to the debate about Trump's fitness for the presidency on the basis of international dealings alone.
James Mattis, the retired four-star general and former Secretary of Defense, resigned from his post in a dramatic move. His resignation came shortly after the announcement of U.S. troops' withdrawal from Syria, which left the Kurds exposed to potential tyranny by Erdogan's forces. In a candid interview, Mattis stated, 'I had no choice but to leave. That’s why my resignation letter is in the book. I want people to understand why I couldn’t stay. I’ve been informed by four decades of experience, and I just couldn’t connect the dots anymore.'
Unrestricted Support of Erdogan
It is not just Turkey’s financial impropriety but also its political and military actions that have raised eyebrows among U.S. allies and citizens. Trump's greenlight of Erdogan’s actions has not only provided a shield to Erdogan's corrupt operations but has also sent a message that the U.S. is willing to overlook its principles for political gain.
The appointment of Erdogan's corruption lieutenants into Trump’s top administration has become a matter of serious concern. Attorney Geoffrey Berman, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, has been involved in the ongoing investigations against Halkbank. However, his role has often been overshadowed by the broader political deal that allows Erdogan to continue his illicit activities.
The implications of this approach to foreign policy are far-reaching. It challenges the long-standing principles of the U.S. to adhere to the rule of law and its commitments to allies. As the debate about Trump's fitness for the presidency rages on, the Halkbank scandal and the silent approval of Erdogan serve as a stark reminder of the disconnect between the current administration and traditional U.S. foreign policy.