Mark Twain said man was made at the end of the week, by which time God was tired. It was the most candid and most chilling insight we have had into Mr Trump’s world view. Mr Trump is availing of every opportunity to make clear the position should be his. Mr Trump is unlikely to give it a second thought, but he is mistaken in believing that the status of the US as a superpower is weakened by having friends. Its global network of allies and partners, built up over decades, has been one of its core strengths.

Source: Irish Independent January 10, 2026 07:03 UTC