State Rep. Adam Smith on military plans: Trump has no idea
Nov 12, 2016, 8:20 AM
Rep. Adam Smith is worried about Trump's vague policies and plans. (AP)
(AP)
As the top-ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Adam Smith has some concerns about Donald J. Trump’s military plans.
For starters, Smith, who was reelected for his 11th term, says he’s worried that there are no plans.
“I’m worried about the fact that he seems to have no idea about what he wants to do,” Smith told Seattle’s Morning News. “Because [he wants to] stamp out ISIS, but he’s also said that we’re too involved in the rest of the world and should pull back.
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“So, what does that mean? What’s he going to do?”
Smith points out that as America’s allies fight in the Middle East, we have no idea what Trump’s policy will be when he takes office. He’s been all over the map.
But maybe that is by design. Trump has criticized America’s military officials over announcing when they plan to attack and having no element of surprise. So, perhaps, part of his plan might be to be vague with everyone.
Smith argues that Trump’s comments aren’t well thought out.
“This isn’t 1850 … ISIS can see the troops moving,” he said.
Trump’s comments may be even more worrisome on a domestic level, given all he’s said about Muslims and other minorities, Smith says.
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Smith says he could see himself working with Trump, if it is toward a legitimate policy.
“If we legitimately look at policies to help people who have been left behind in this country, absolutely,” he explained. “That was a big part of his campaign. At the same time, his first proposal is massive tax cuts for corporations, and just by the nature of taxes, the wealthy will benefit the most.
“I fail to see how that is going to help the people who are struggling the most in this nation.”
And no matter what, Smith says he cannot forget about the racist, sexist comments the president-elect made throughout the campaign.
“That has to make us wonder, who is he including [when he says] the people in this country deserve our help …”
Listen to the whole interview with Smith below.
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