Peacemaker or Commander? Trump rejects wars but vows victory if drawn in

During the conversation, Trump discussed the government shutdown, his administration’s agreements with China, and, when the topic shifted to students, he began speaking about his desire to get along with other countries.

He noted that foreign students "pay more than twice as much as locals," adding that he viewed the issue "as business." The president said that the United States has "millions and millions of people," but he still wants, whenever possible, "to get along with other countries."

Trump then mentioned Hillary Clinton, who lost to him in the 2016 presidential election, and her statements about war. He said he didn’t want the US involved in wars, but that if it came to that, America would win. He also once again brought up that he had "ended eight wars."

"Remember, Hillary Clinton said we’d be at war," Trump said. "I’ve stopped eight wars in the last nine months. I don’t want wars. But if I get into one, we’re gonna win fast; it’s gonna be tough. But I don’t want wars."

Peace or war

Trump rose to power under the banner of peace, promising to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, a goal that has so far eluded him.

Still, he has scored some diplomatic successes, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where a ceasefire has been in effect since October and the US peace plan between Israel and Hamas is gradually being implemented.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that he "ended eight wars," and has suggested that the "ninth" could be the war in Ukraine.

Yet there are also contradictions in his peace initiatives. Earlier this year, he restored the Pentagon’s former name, and it is once again called the Department of War instead of the Department of Defense.

In addition, Trump recently announced the resumption of nuclear weapons testing, authorized US strikes on drug cartel boats in Venezuela, and even threatened Nigeria with a ground invasion.

According to the president, if Nigeria’s government "keeps allowing the killing of Christians," the US would immediately end all aid and support, and could "take other steps."

"It’s very possible," Trump wrote on social media, "that the US could invade that now disgraced country, with weapons in hand, to eliminate the Islamic terrorists committing these terrible atrocities."

As for Venezuela, The New York Times reports that the White House is considering three possible military options, a move that, judging by Trump’s rhetoric, appears driven by his desire to remove Nicolás Maduro from power.