Washington: President Donald Trump yesterday dismissed the notion that he was an “isolationist” in his policies, as he held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“My administration is in the process of rebuilding the American industrial base. A stronger America is in the interest, believe me, of the world as a whole,” Trump said at a joint news conference with the visiting Merkel.
Germany and the US, he said, must work together towards fair and reciprocal trade policies that benefit people of both the countries.
“Millions of hard-working US citizens have been left behind by international commerce, and together, we can shape a future where all of our citizens have a path to financial security. The US will respect historic institutions and we will also recognise the right of free people to manage their own destiny,” Trump said.
On immigration, another issue dividing Merkel and the new US president, Trump said immigration was a “privilege” and not a “right”.
“I don’t believe in an isolationist policy. But I also believe a policy of trade should be a fair policy. The United States has been treated very, very unfairly by many countries over the years. That’s going to stop. But I’m not an isolationist,” he said.