Donald Trump in 1980 says U.S. must regain global respect: video

If the U.S. were properly respected by Iran would not have held American hostages, Trump said in 1980

NEW YORK,— In a 1980 TV interview, a 34-year-old Donald Trump emphasized the importance of respect on the global stage, arguing that the United States’ lack of respect in the international arena contributed to the country’s difficulties.

Trump stated that if the U.S. were properly respected, crises such as the hostage situation in Iran and the ongoing conflict between Iran and Iraq would not have occurred.

“If we were respected properly as a country, we wouldn’t have the war going on right now,” he said, adding that Iran would not have held American hostages for even 10 minutes if they had respected the U.S.

Trump went on to criticize the U.S. government’s failure to take decisive action in addressing international challenges, particularly in the Middle East.

He expressed frustration with what he saw as a period of inaction, noting that the country had missed opportunities to assert itself and make quicker decisions. “We could have made quicker decisions,” he said. “Instead, we’ve been sitting back while everyone else takes action.”

Trump also reflected on leadership, stating that effective decision-making often requires unpopular choices. He explained that his approach to leadership was shaped by both his own experiences and the influence of his family. “Maybe it was something instilled in me,” he said. “It’s something you learn through trial and error over the years.”

As for the direction of the United States, Trump pointed to what he perceived as the country’s untapped potential. He likened America to a mind that had not yet reached its full capacity.

With strong leadership, Trump believed the U.S. could once again become a global powerhouse. He expressed optimism for the future, stating, “This country has tremendous potential. With the proper leadership, we can go on to become what we once were.”

On the Iran hostage crisis, Trump was outspoken in his criticism. He called the situation “absolutely ridiculous,” asserting that the U.S. should have used military force to secure the release of American hostages.

“There’s no question in my mind,” he said, adding that the U.S. had every right to intervene at the time. When asked whether he would have personally participated in a military operation to free the hostages, Trump said, “I wouldn’t have wanted to go, but I would have done it.”

Trump also weighed in on the broader Middle East conflict, specifically the war between Iran and Iraq. He described the conflict as one between two weak armies and suggested that U.S. involvement in setting policy could have helped stabilize the region. “This country is not more involved in terms of setting policy in that area,” he said.

While Trump was cautious not to criticize the oil industry directly, he implied that the U.S.’s weakened position in the Middle East, along with its lack of respect, was fueling the instability. He again emphasized that stronger American leadership would have prevented many of the region’s current issues.

Now, as President in his second term, Trump has taken a firm stance on international hostage situations. On Monday, he warned that if all Israeli hostages held by Islamist Hamas militants in Gaza are not returned by January 15 at noon, he would push for the cancellation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and allow “all hell to break loose.”