4:04President Donald Trump addresses the House Republican Party member retreat at the Kennedy Center in Washington, January 6, 2026. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
President Donald Trump has reportedly informed The New York Times that his "own morality" could act as a potential constraint on his global authority — stating that he doesn't "require international law."
During a comprehensive interview with The New York Times published on Thursday, Trump was questioned on Wednesday about whether there are any limitations to his global authority.
"Yes, there is one factor. My own morality. My own judgment. It’s the sole thing that can hinder me,” Trump allegedly stated to The New York Times.
"I don’t require international law. I’m not intending to harm anyone," Trump continued.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that his administration must comply with international law.
"It depends on how you define international law," Trump remarked.
President Donald Trump addresses the House Republican Party member retreat at the Kennedy Center in Washington, January 6, 2026.Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
Trump’s remarks illustrate his perspective on global matters as many of his recent actions have attracted international scrutiny.
His interview with The New York Times came shortly after U.S. military forces executed a raid in Venezuela, resulting in the apprehension of Nicolas Maduro and his spouse, who are facing federal allegations including narcoterrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy. Both Maduro and his wife entered not guilty pleas earlier this week.
Moreover, as Trump and his advisors have been contemplating "a variety of options" for acquiring Greenland, including military action, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned earlier this week.
Trump has also criticized the NATO alliance, stating in a social media post on Wednesday that the U.S. "will always support NATO, even if they may not support us." He also expressed "doubts" that NATO would assist the U.S. if "we truly needed them."
Additionally, Trump signed a memorandum on Wednesday instructing the U.S. to withdraw from 66 international organizations, including those associated with the United Nations, claiming that these programs no longer align with U.S. interests.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com