By Shin Freedman
In his most recent "Letter to President Trump" on Jan. 22, this paper's chief editorial writer urged President Donald Trump to prioritize mutual prosperity and regional security, fostering a more stable and peaceful relationship between the United States and South Korea. He emphasized Korea’s strong democratic resilience, expressing confidence that the nation would soon return to normalcy. Despite the recent political turmoil, he argued that South Korea’s highly educated, politically aware citizens would not allow their country to descend into chaos.
The letter gains significance in light of Trump’s recent economic policies, particularly his imposition of steep tariffs: 25 percent threatened on imports from Mexico and Canada and 10 percent on goods from China. These measures, driven by his characteristically unpredictable approach to trade, threaten to disrupt not only the American economy but also global markets. His tariff policies reflect a broader pattern of erratic decision-making that affects both U.S. allies and adversaries alike.
Further compounding concerns about Trump’s leadership is the troubling lack of competence among key members of his administration. During Senate confirmation hearings, multiple Cabinet nominees revealed startling gaps in knowledge and experience, raising concerns about their ability to navigate complex global and domestic challenges. Notable figures include the secretary of defense, the secretary of homeland security, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (secretary of health and human services nominee) and Kash Patel (director of the FBI nominee).
One particularly revealing moment occurred when Peter Hegseth, now secretary of defense, was asked by a senator from Illinois to list ASEAN member states. The three countries he named — which included South Korea — were incorrect. While some may question the relevance of this knowledge to his position, ASEAN plays a critical role in counterbalancing China’s rising influence in the Pacific, making familiarity with the organization essential for U.S. defense strategy. Nevertheless, despite his glaring incompetence, Hegseth was confirmed. This appointment, among others, reflects an unsettling trend of prioritizing loyalty to Trump over qualifications and expertise.
Similarly troubling is Attorney General Pam Bondi’s refusal to acknowledge the Jan. 6 insurrection, a stance that raises serious concerns about the future of the Justice Department under her leadership. Meanwhile, Trump’s pick for FBI director, Kash Patel, and his energy secretary nominee have also drawn scrutiny for their lack of relevant experience and controversial past statements.
Adding to the turbulence, Trump recently mocked South Korea’s political crisis, reportedly quipping, “People say I’m chaotic, but look at South Korea,” as cited in a CBS report. Although the exact timing of his remark remains unclear, it seemingly referred to the crisis triggered by President Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3 and his subsequent impeachment. At the very least, Trump appears aware of his own chaotic leadership style — an observation reinforced by the flurry of executive orders and their far-reaching consequences just weeks into his second term.
In conclusion, it does not take a visionary to recognize the trajectory of the United States under Trump’s leadership. His erratic policy decisions, the appointment of unqualified Cabinet members and the outsized influence of unelected billionaires create an alarming reality. The repercussions of these choices will extend well beyond the next four years, shaping both America’s global standing and domestic stability. The world watches with apprehension, uncertain of what the future holds.
Shin Freedman ([email protected]) is an author, a writer and an educator.
English (United States) ·