President Donald Trump, by taking a tough stance on China but not taking a similar stance with Russia, has "confused the European allies" and "unnerved the Asian allies," former U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns said Wednesday.
Burns, now a professor of diplomacy at the Harvard Kennedy school of government, blasted Trump's inauguration speech.
"I think that inaugural speech was a dark speech and was a protectionist speech and highly nationalistic," Burns told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program. "What the rest of the world is used to hearing from, whether it's Eisenhower or Reagan or Barack Obama, is a big-hearted America and an America that is ready to lead and be faithful to its allies."
Burns pointed out that Trump last week called NATO obsolete, which has upset the European Union leaders, according to CNN.
"A lot of our interests are overseas. A lot of our jobs depend on our ability to export. If we're protectionist, if we reject the Trans-Pacific Partnership, we basically cede that field to China," Burns said.
I'm not sure it helps the American worker and American businesses."
However, Burns praised Trump's secretary of defense, Gen. James Mattis.
"I was encouraged by Gen. Mattis' strength, by going out of his way to say I believe in NATO, I believe in these allies. We need more of that from the commander in chief. We will see if he turns in that direction. I just don't know if he will, though," Burns said.
As for Trump's relationship with Russia, Burns said he's "concerned that Russia interfered in our election. I'm concerned there may not be a follow-up and an investigation adequately in the Congress or through an independent means."
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