[The Editors' Verdict] Trump Calls It a "Deal," but the World Sees It as "Threats"

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has publicly stated that his memoir "The Art of the Deal," co-written with journalist Tony Schwartz in 1987, is his second favorite book. The Wall Street Journal noted, "This book reveals the motivations behind his unconventional behavior," and even recommended it as "one way to understand Trump."

According to the dictionary, a deal means "an exchange or transaction" or "coming and going to foster a relationship." However, if you look closely, Trump's deals are somewhat different. While he calls them deals, others read them as "threats." A threat is an act of intimidating someone to make them do something.

This perception is not unfounded, as Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to take over the war-torn Palestinian Gaza Strip, devastated by decades of conflict. In particular, even with King Abdullah II of Jordan right beside him, Trump reiterated, "We will take Gaza. We don't need to buy it, nor do we need to live there. We will take Gaza."

By claiming to resolve conflicts, Trump has revealed his role as a so-called global real estate developer aiming to expand U.S. territory. In fact, the model case Trump cited for developing Gaza is the Mediterranean resort "Riviera." By capitalizing on Gaza's Mediterranean coastline, he intends to develop it as a tourist resource, with the United States taking the lead and reaping the profits.

The same logic applies to the war in Ukraine. In exchange for mediating an end to the conflict, Trump wants rare earth elements from Ukraine, valued at over 700 trillion won. He stated, "They may or may not negotiate. And they may or may not become part of Russia someday." In short, he is threatening that if Ukraine does not offer its resources, it could be annexed by Russia.

When it comes to natural resources such as rare earth elements, Greenland cannot be left out. Greenland is known to be rich in mineral resources, including oil, gas, and rare earth elements. Since his first term, Trump has pushed for the purchase of Greenland, causing diplomatic friction with Denmark. In retrospect, it is fortunate that Greenland, a Danish territory, merely received a purchase offer.

In addition, Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to make Canada the 51st state of the United States and has continued to pressure Panama to regain control of the Panama Canal. Eventually, the Panamanian government surrendered by agreeing to exempt U.S. government-owned vessels from canal tolls.

Tariffs have become Trump's "sword of Damocles." During his first term in 2018, he imposed tariffs of 25% on imported steel and 10% on aluminum. At last month's inauguration, he referenced former President William McKinley (who served from 1897 to 1901), known as the "King of Tariffs," suggesting him as a role model.

The so-called "madman strategy"-pressuring others to make concessions by acting as if the U.S. president is out of control-appears to be working. The bigger issue is that Trump is well aware that he is playing the villain for the sake of national interest. Trump is famously known for never having drunk alcohol in his life. In a 2018 speech, he said his only virtue was not drinking, adding, "What do you think would happen if I drank? How much of a mess would I be? It would have been the worst in the world."

All of this has happened in less than a month since he took office. With increased defense cost-sharing and investments in the United States on the horizon, our turn is not far off. Yet, seeing crowds enthusiastically waving American flags on the streets only makes one sigh.