Addressing a star-studded Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Donald Trump on Thursday again pledged to build an Iron Dome missile defense system for the United States akin to the one Israel has.
Formally announcing his GOP nomination in an hour-long speech, Trump slammed President Joe Biden, saying he inherited a “world at peace and turned it into a planet of war”. Referencing the April Iran missile attack on Israel in the wake of the Gaza war, Trump said, “Israel has an Iron Dome. They have a missile defense system. Three-hundred and forty-two missiles were shot into Israel, and only one got through a little bit.”
TRUMP: “We’re gonna build an iron dome over our country!” pic.twitter.com/6BNbrI3UNK— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) July 19, 2024
Israel and Iron Dome
The 78-year-old issued a stern warning to US adversaries, threatening severe consequences unless American hostages were released before his potential return to the White House after the all-important November election.
During his long address, Trump painted a bleak picture of the US and blamed the Biden administration for inflation, illegal immigration and several international crises. “Why should other countries have this and we don’t? No, No we’re going to build an Iron Dome over our country and we’re going to be sure that nothing can come and harm our people,” he said.
“We will replenish our military, and build an Iron Dome missile defence system to ensure that no enemy can strike our homeland – and this great Iron Dome will all be made in the USA.” It is important to note that the purpose of Trump’s proposed Iron Dome system for the United States is unclear, as it is designed to intercept short-range rockets—a threat not historically faced along US borders.
Ukraine and Afghanistan
During his speech, Trump referred to the “chaotic” US withdrawal from Afghanistan that happened in 2021 and led to criticism of Biden over the Taliban’s lightning conquest of the war-torn country. “Emboldened by that disaster, Russia invaded Ukraine. Israel endured the worst attack in its history. Now China is circling Taiwan,” Trump said, attempting to draw a link between disparate foreign conflicts that directly or indirectly involve the United States.
Under President Bush, Russia invaded Georgia.Under President Obama, Russia took Crimea.
Under the current administration, Russia is after all of Ukraine.
Under President Trump, Russia took NOTHING. pic.twitter.com/lYe4YBfDwQ
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) July 19, 2024
“Under President Bush, Russia invaded Georgia. Under President Obama, Russia took Crimea. Under the current administration, Russia is after all of Ukraine. Under President Trump, Russia took NOTHING,” he said.
