# International reaction to Trump **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 7, 2017, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248 "2017-02-07T17:36:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 8:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/21 "2017-02-08T08:55:00Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Remind them of their own Trump, Lee Kwan Yew. Lee’s government was especially outstanding for its competence, disdain for populist policies, and lack of corruption. He turned an impoverished country into one of the world’s great economies. This is utterly opposite to Trump in every way. Recently I learned that Lee’s son, the present Singapore PM, was Senior Wrangler at Cambridge, a coveted distinction attained by such notables as Jacob Bronowski, the Nobel Prize-winning J.W. Strutt Lord Rayleigh, Arthur Stanley Eddington, etc. (The huge prestige of Senior Wrangler is indicated by Cambridge students who did _not_ achieve it: The two most renowned 19th-century physicists, J.C. Maxwell and Lord Kelvin, were only Second Wranglers. Nobel Laureate Bertrand Russell was 7th Wrangler. John Maynard Keynes was only 12th Wrangler.) I know Donald Trump is “really really smart.” Was he Senior Wrangler? ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/22 "2017-02-08T09:15:44Z")
The Netherlands watches in fascinated horror. Rock Solid USA has fallen to the level of a Third World Lying Kleptocracy. We are concerned what the Trump trend will mean for our own elections, in three weeks. Our own mini Trump Geert Wilders, is set to be the biggest political party. ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/23 "2017-02-08T09:49:38Z")
I’d say that the leadership of every other country in the world regards Trump as a weak fool - but erratic and possibly dangerous. America’s influence in the world is being significantly reduced. Countries are worried about Trump messing with international trade and crashing the financial system, or starting a war, or derailing climate change initiatives, or undermining NATO, or simply being unable to cope with any crisis that comes up. Countries like Russia, Syria, Turkey, Iran and North Korea are wondering how best to take advantage of Trump. Israel knows that they can take advantage of Trump. Countries like Saudi Arabia are keeping a low profile and waiting for him to go away. ---
**Author:** ![Tabby\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tabby\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabby_Cat)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/24 "2017-02-08T09:50:26Z")
The CIA tried to bribe Lee Kuan Yew. It didn’t work. [http://jfk.hood.edu/Collection/White%20Materials/Security-CIA-II/CIA%20II%20013.pdf](http://jfk.hood.edu/Collection/White%20Materials/Security-CIA-II/CIA%20II%20013.pdf) > [@](#): > > The Americans should know the character of the men they are dealing with in Singapore and not get themselves further dragged into calumny. They are not dealing with Ngo Dinh Diem or Syngman Rhee. You do not buy and sell this Government. ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/25 "2017-02-08T10:00:32Z")
What I see is shock and horror. But I also see various fringe trolls celebrating and cherry picking. Main stream right wing politicians have mostly taken umbrage to being compared to Trump, but there are all of two well known national politicians who applaud. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/26 "2017-02-08T10:14:00Z")
> [@Lobot](#): > > Did you see the recent Fairfax piece on the seven types of Australian voters? The real hardcore Trump/Hanson types only make up 6% of the population. The real worry is the 12% who are disaffected and politically adrift–they’re easy pickings for populists, but they’re not committed to any such position, so they can be swayed, IMHO. I saw that piece and thought it was terrible, but those rate well and look good on the audience metrics. I should say that not everyone in Australia crying onto their Vegemite toast over Trump winning. Almost everyone on my social media feed is, definitely, but a few of the folks I talk to IRL are very much of “Good, let’s see him shake things up a bit” view. My feeling of the non-social media view is probably closer to “worried” or “bemused”, but each person’s feel of things is going to differ depending on the circles they move in. I’ve heard some genuine unhappiness from folks here IRL over the result too, to be fair. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/27 "2017-02-08T10:49:13Z")
> [@NiceGuyJack](#): > > What’s the reaction in your country? From the first days, “bloody hell, they chose the troll!” and mentions of Rodolfo Chiquilicuatre, the character from a late night show which almost went to Eurovision on a trolling ticket. Personally, reading the remarks from people who apparently believed the wrong parts of his ticket, I’m reminded of all those people who believe the invented parts of movies and disregard the real ones as invented. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/28 "2017-02-08T15:23:26Z")
A lot of my family still lives in Mexico. Even those who have come to the US, however, have the same reaction. Fear and anger. I don’t think that a lot of American’s understand how angry some of this stuff has made the people of Mexico (or Mexican Americans for that matter)…or how this election and the subsequent actions done by this administration have so shifted the view of Mexicans towards America and Americans. Between the strong arm tactics concerning trade and NAFTA and Trump’s Wall, possibly irreparable damage is being done. Or, that’s my anecdotal take based on my own family and friends. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/29 "2017-02-08T15:47:45Z")
A majority of Canadians feel that [Canada needs to stand up to Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/canadians-want-trudeau-to-stand-up-to-trump-even-if-it-leads-to-trade-war-poll/article33948451/), even if it leads to a trade war that damages both economies. > [@](#): > > “It’s kind of a recognition that there is going to be unavoidable conflict with the Trump administration on trade,” Nik Nanos said in an interview. “When Canadians see the type of leadership style from Donald Trump, they realize that the only way to respond to him is assertively and confidently, even if it means a trade war. Even though we are a small trading partner, many Canadians believe the [trade] war is coming.” The general feeling I get is that the only way to deal with a loud talking bully is to punch him in the nose. Personally, I don’t think Canada should wait for the US to start the 90 day waiting period to dismantle NAFTA. We should do it first. And then refuse to meet for 90 days. Don’t even enter into discussions. Then cut off all exports. THEN start negotiating. ---
**Author:** ![YoudNeverGuess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a587f6/32.png) [@YoudNeverGuess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YoudNeverGuess)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/30 "2017-02-08T15:50:21Z")
In Ireland we are horrified and really, really disappointed. We’re sad and scared for our many American friends and relatives. We’re also worried about the trend towards fascism generally. We always regarded USA as a friend, a cousin. It’s like watching a pal join a dangerous cult and become wild-eyed and unhinged. Your country’s become ‘radicalised’. Irish women also are particularly depressed. We, ourselves, are only sloooowly extricating ourselves from the claws of the Catholic church’s misogynist dogma with still a way to go. We felt positive. Our country seems finally to be going in the right direction. Trump and his coterie of ghouls, in trying to unravel the progress you guys have made on civil rights, particularly with regard to reproductive rights, has been a big blow psychologically. Small silver lining - we have a very slim hope that he is so awful he will serve as a cautionary tale to people on the brink of voting for populists here in the EU. He’s (along with the Brexiteers before him) also made me and many of my family and friends feel more positively about the EU than we’ve felt in a long time. I just hope sense will prevail. ---
**Author:** ![YoudNeverGuess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a587f6/32.png) [@YoudNeverGuess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YoudNeverGuess)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/31 "2017-02-08T16:03:18Z")
I should also add that we feel like you’ve been had by a complete con-man and not even a convincing one. We honestly don’t understand how his supporters can’t see that. How could anyone possibly believe he’s on the side of the little guy? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/32 "2017-02-08T16:10:45Z")
> [@GreenWyvern](#): > > I’d say that the leadership of every other country in the world regards Trump as a weak fool - but erratic and possibly dangerous. America’s influence in the world is being significantly reduced. > > Countries are worried about Trump messing with international trade and crashing the financial system, or starting a war, or derailing climate change initiatives, or undermining NATO, or simply being unable to cope with any crisis that comes up. > > Countries like Russia, Syria, Turkey, Iran and North Korea are wondering how best to take advantage of Trump. Israel knows that they can take advantage of Trump. Countries like Saudi Arabia are keeping a low profile and waiting for him to go away. This type of post typifies a lot of the other posts here, IMO. People imagine that everyone else sees Trump as they themselves see Trump. According to [Reuters](http://www.newsweek.com/gulf-arab-leaders-optimistic-trump-confront-iran-546993), Sunni states in the Middle East welcomed Trump’s election because they see him as a “strong leader” who will confront Iran. GreenWyvern thinks “_the leadership of every other country in the world regards Trump as a weak fool_” and that “_Countries like Saudi Arabia are keeping a low profile and waiting for him to go away_”. Who is most likely correct? Hmm … ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/33 "2017-02-08T19:13:04Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > This type of post typifies a lot of the other posts here, IMO. People imagine that everyone else sees Trump as they themselves see Trump. > > According to [Reuters](http://www.newsweek.com/gulf-arab-leaders-optimistic-trump-confront-iran-546993), Sunni states in the Middle East welcomed Trump’s election because they see him as a “strong leader” who will confront Iran. GreenWyvern thinks “_the leadership of every other country in the world regards Trump as a weak fool_” and that “_Countries like Saudi Arabia are keeping a low profile and waiting for him to go away_”. Who is most likely correct? Hmm … Well, how about this then: Most western democratic countries that elect their governments in a peaceful transition of power are horrified, and most of their citizens regard Trump as a con man and a fool. On the other hand, countries that are run by totalitarian dictators, or a ruling class of royalty, and have no real tradition of democratic elections of government seem to like Trump and feel that a strong man dictator is just what a country needs. So you’re right - it’s not EVERY country that distrusts or dislikes Trump as president. Congratulations. I hope you enjoy your new friends. Meanwhile, Canada, Australia, Germany and Japan say “It’s been nice, see you later” ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/34 "2017-02-08T20:31:27Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Well, how about this then: Most western democratic countries that elect their governments in a peaceful transition of power are horrified, and most of their citizens regard Trump as a con man and a fool. > > On the other hand, countries that are run by totalitarian dictators, or a ruling class of royalty, and have no real tradition of democratic elections of government seem to like Trump and feel that a strong man dictator is just what a country needs. > > So you’re right - it’s not EVERY country that distrusts or dislikes Trump as president. Congratulations. I hope you enjoy your new friends. Meanwhile, Canada, Australia, Germany and Japan say “It’s been nice, see you later” ^^^^^ This. [This cover of _Der Spiegel_](http://www.cbc.ca/news/photos/trump-magazine-covers-1.3966101) pretty much says it all. With regard to Canada, coverage on CBC Radio has been reminiscent of the kind of programming that follows a natural disaster. One program had a psychiatrist trying to help people deal with it emotionally. Just today there was a program exploring the parallels between the regime’s embrace of “alternative facts” and the history-revising Ministry of Truth in George Orwell’s _1984_. The program kicked off with the now-famous “alternative facts” pronouncement from Kellyanne Conway, and included an interview with her by a thoroughly incredulous Jake Tapper, who wanted her to comment on the significance of a president who lies and deceives as a matter of routine – repeatedly, deliberately, and transparently. The world – at least, the western democratic part of it – is horrified and worried in a way that I have not seen since 9/11. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/35 "2017-02-08T20:36:59Z")
The problem with that is that what you’re calling “the world” means the same segment of “the world” which is also very opposed to Trump in the US, i.e. the media and the establishment. Question is whether there’s a segment of the population in European countries which is similar to that segment in the US which supports Trump. I don’t think you can settle that by pointing to newspaper headlines or statements by establishment public figures. Or by posts from Dopers. It’s a weird thing, but I keep reading all sorts of coverage of far right politicians in various European countries having significant success and being threats to capture power. But there are - to my knowledge - zero European posters to these board who claim allegiance to those politicians and movements, and from what these posters post about how liberal Europe is compared to the US, you would think those movements and politicians have no support whatsoever. Bottom line is: it’s hard to know. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/36 "2017-02-08T20:46:54Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > This type of post typifies a lot of the other posts here, IMO. People imagine that everyone else sees Trump as they themselves see Trump. > > According to [Reuters](http://www.newsweek.com/gulf-arab-leaders-optimistic-trump-confront-iran-546993), Sunni states in the Middle East welcomed Trump’s election because they see him as a “strong leader” who will confront Iran. GreenWyvern thinks “_the leadership of every other country in the world regards Trump as a weak fool_” and that “_Countries like Saudi Arabia are keeping a low profile and waiting for him to go away_”. Who is most likely correct? Hmm … News flash: Sunni states in the Peninsula delighted with conflagrations to their North and even financing terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda are delighted to see a de facto Putin-Trump-ISIS alliance that may increase violence there and sap the strengths of Shi’ite powers like Iran and Iraq. In other news, dog in Oshkosh bites man. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/37 "2017-02-08T20:49:09Z")
[QUOTE=septimus] In other news, dog in Oshkosh bites man. [/QUOTE] I’ll buy the rest, but do you have a cite for this incredible claim??? :dubious: 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/38 "2017-02-08T20:58:35Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > News flash: Sunni states in the Peninsula delighted with conflagrations to their North and even financing terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda are delighted to see a de facto Putin-Trump-ISIS alliance that may increase violence there and sap the strengths of Shi’ite powers like Iran and Iraq. > > In other news, dog in Oshkosh bites man. See here’s the weird thing about posts like this. Someone else posted that every country in the world regards Trump as a weak fool, and specifically asserts that Saudi Arabia in particular is “waiting for him to go away”. Do you comment on that? Do you assert that it’s obviously untrue, and that Saudi Arabia is pleased to have Trump for whatever reason. No, not at all. It’s only after I post a cite to a reputable media source which says that the Sunni states are pleased with Trump that you spring into action and assert that yeah of course, it’s obvious “dog bites man”. The general idea seems to be that anything negative about Trump goes, and if one argument falls away you drop back to the fallback one, even if it completely contradicts the first one. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/39 "2017-02-08T21:16:48Z")
The Canadian government is trying to stay on civil terms with the Trump administration, but is warning of a possible trade war if the US adopts protectionist measures: [Ottawa warns Trump team of retaliation if border tariffs imposed](http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/foreign-affairs-warns-trump-of-retaliation-if-border-tariffs-imposed/article33955105/): > [@](#): > > Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has warned the Trump administration that Canada could retaliate if the new president imposes tariffs at the border, potentially sparking a trade war between Canada and its largest trading partner. > … > Her position is in line with Canadian public opinion. A Nanos Research this week showed 58 per cent of respondents are willing to back a trade war with the United States and want Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to stand up to Mr. Trump. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248/40 "2017-02-08T21:20:21Z")
Any country would be inclined to retaliate in case of US tariffs, independent of their opinion of Trump. (Trump’s hand is strengthened by the massive US trade deficit. But that’s another issue.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248.md?page=3)