The Trump Presidency has divided students across The University of Alabama and the issue of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities is no different.
Only a couple months into the Trump administration, the president and his top officials face an emerging international situation with North Korea. Over the past week, North Korea test-launched a missile with nuclear capabilities and has vowed that more are to come as they continue their quest for arms.
These tests and promises come in the wake of threats from the United States of increased sanctions on North Korea. However, North Korea announced that another nuclear test is coming before the end of the month.
While the State Department has expressed concern and disapproval over the Asian state’s actions, the threat of these missiles being able to reach the United States is perceived by U.S. officials as minimal. U.S. officials confirmed to numerous national outlets that the missile exploded only five seconds after launch.
Countries within arms-length of North Korea believe that they face a threat that must be addressed immediately. Officials from South Korea and China fear that the totalitarian regime is taking a position of war, according to BBC News.
At the University, the foreign policy issue of North Korea’s perceived aggression is less divisive than others, but President Trump’s administration causes more concern than existed before on the issue.
Generally, Republicans have continued their hard-line foreign policy stances that have been typical since the Reagan Administration.
“I am in favor of a firm response to the North Korean aggression,” said Cameron Mixon, vice chairman of UA College Republicans. “The U.S. administration should demand the Chinese apply pressure to North Korea’s behavior.”
While Democrats take a nuclear North Korea seriously, some question the ability to calm the situation as has been international precedent. On this issue, the dispute is not so much about policy as it is the temperament of the president.
“Hopefully this situation will deescalate like it did numerous times under the previous administrations,” said Michael Smith, chairman of UA College Democrats. “But under Trump there is always the worry that he will become unhinged and further escalate the situation.”
Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have openly supported a strong stance against the country that has been making threats of war and nuclear attacks for decades.
