We will become a larger country in the near future, US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday during a rally in Las Vegas, alluding to his territorial claims. Trump also said he might reverse his decision to leave the World Health Organization. However, he set a condition.
– We will become a big country soon, in the not too distant future, it will be nice to see it. You know, for years we were the same size down to the square meter – in fact, we probably got smaller – but very soon we can become a bigger country, Trump said during a rally intended to show thanks for his electoral victory in Nevada.
In both previous presidential races, Donald Trump lost in Nevada. Hillary Clinton won there in 2016 and in 2020 Joe Biden. The last Republican to win Nevada was George W. Bush, who won there in 2004.
Trump did not specify during Saturday's speech what he meant by enlarging the country. However, in recent days and weeks he has repeatedly spoken about his ambitions to acquire Greenland and regain control of the Panama Canal, and even join Canada as the 51st state.
Trump on leaving the WHO
In his speech, the president summed up the achievements of his presidency so far, claiming that under his leadership the country is undergoing a “revolution of wealth creation” and a “revolution of common sense.” He mentioned, among others: on border restrictions, freezing of foreign aid, as well as leaving the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO). As he stated, the US paid too much for the WHO compared to organizations that contributed much less to the budget China.
He added, however, that when he announced his withdrawal from the WHO during his first term (this decision was reversed by Joe Biden shortly afterwards), the organization offered him a reduction of the contribution to that paid by China. He said that although he rejected the offer at the time, he might return to the WHO if he “cleans up a little.” Trump's decision to leave the WHO is scheduled to enter into force on January 22.
United States are by far the largest financial supporter of WHO, contributing approximately 18% of its total funding. WHO's last two-year budget for 2024-2025 was $6.8 billion.
Donald Trump in Las VegasReuters
Trump reminds about his promise
During a speech in Las Vegas, Trump recalled his campaign promise to end taxation on tip income, which he first made in June 2024 while courting service workers in the presidential state of Nevada. As Reuters reminds, the tipped hospitality industry accounts for more than one-fifth of all jobs in the state.
Kamala Harrisalso announced during the campaign that it would eliminate taxes on tips, following Trump's lead. She said the proposal would require Congress to pass legislation. However, Trump won in Nevada.
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Main photo source: Reuters