Venerable Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Criticizes Trump's Outdated Approach at Advanced Age
Fresh Spin on Mahathir's Scathing Critique of Trump
In an interview that'll send chills down Trump's spine, the sprightly, candid Mahathir, gearing up for his 100th birthday, uncorked a blistering critique of the POTUS, claiming: "America's going to feel the heat of Trump's tariffs, and the people of America won't stick by him."
The U.S. president's shaky tariff war is set to lay siege on Asian economies,with Malaysia square in the crosshairs, bracing for a 24% levy in July if no deal is inked.
"Trump's actions will create a storm of troubles for America. I give him three months to realize that," said Mahathir, who steered Malaysia for over two decades in two stints.
Still pounding the desk five days a week from his Putrajaya office, the 97-year old firebrand remains as outspoken as ever.
"Trump lacks sound judgment. I don't think he gives his decisions deep thought," said Mahathir.
"His immigration policies-- and his reckless moves to cut government spending, trimming the workforce-- these strategies won't work. They won't make America great again," he added, jabbing Trump's MAGA slogan.
On the diplomatic front, Mahathir blasted Trump's ideas like angling for Greenland and wanting control over the Panama Canal, branding the President as a dinosaur clinging to the past.
Skewering Trump's Trade Wars
Throughout his illustrious career, Mahathir has been a firm proponent of the "Look East" policy, propelling Malaysians to seek solutions in Asia instead of relying on the West. With Trump's tariffs in play, Mahathir's stance remains staunch.
The Asian powerhouse, China, is bearing the brunt of Trump's wrath with a whopping 145% tariff on many exports. President Xi Jinping recently graced Malaysia during a three-nation tour across Southeast Asia, advocating for strengthened ties.
"You can't keep China in check because its economic might is equal to the West," said Mahathir. "America, once a self-proclaimed superpower, refuses to acknowledge China's growth."
Malaysia aims to maintain amiable relations with both Washington and Beijing, the old warhorse said. "We don't want to pick fights with China, but we don't want to quarrel with America either," he added, echoing a Malaysian policy of diplomatic reconciliation.
As powerhouse elders go, Mahathir, a symbol of post-colonial resilience, will celebrate his 100th birthday on July 10. Following a recent respiratory infection, the elderly statesman has spent his fair share of time in the hospital, but his influence continues to resonate at home and beyond.
"Let the world judge what my greatest legacy is," he said modestly.
© 2025 AFP
- In response to Trump's tariffs on Asian economies, Malaysia is bracing for a 24% levy in July, highlighting the potential impact on health and economy.
- Mahathir, gearing up for his 100th birthday in 2025, remains outspoken in his political policy-and-legislation criticisms of Trump's actions, notably the tariff war.
- Despite wanting to maintain amiable ties with both China and America, Malaysia, under the leadership of Mahathir, is staying firm against the protests of war-and-conflicts caused by Trump's trade policies.
- The news of Mahathir's scathing critique of Trump's health Tariff policies was dominating the general news headlines, with the long-term implications on Malaysia's economy being a key point of discussion.
- In a nod to the complexity of international relations, Mahathir, a symbol of post-colonial resilience, has called Trump's trade policies misguided and damaging to America's standing, making his voice a major player in the broader global health debate.
