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Trump Pullout From Paris Accords Puts US Interests First - Ex-Senate Adviser

© AP Photo / Pablo Martinez MonsivaisPresident Donald Trump waves as he steps out of Air Force One during his arrival at JFK International airport in New York, Thursday, May 4, 2017
President Donald Trump waves as he steps out of Air Force One during his arrival at JFK International airport in New York, Thursday, May 4, 2017 - Sputnik International
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Former adviser to Senate Republican leaders Jim Jatras claims that Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Accords on climate change put the real interests of the United States and the American people first.

In this photo taken April 21, 2017, President Donald Trump looks out an Oval Office window at the White House in Washington following an interview with The Associated Press - Sputnik International
Trump's Decision on Paris Climate Accord Not Reflecting Economic Realities
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Accords on climate change put the real interests of the United States and the American people first, former adviser to Senate Republican leaders Jim Jatras told Sputnik.

"Trump’s pulling out of the Paris climate agreement was perhaps the most eloquent way he could have shown the world he’s serious about America First," Jatras stated.

Trump’s many critics like German Chancellor Angela Merkel viewed reducing carbon emissions and trying to prevent climate change not as a rational choice of policies but as a quasi-religious crusade or act of faith, Jatras observed.

"Let’s keep in mind that for [Trump’s] detractors abroad like Angela Merkel… to the carbon cultists in America, man-made climate change is not just a political opinion or even a scientific conclusion. It’s a deep, sincerely held item of faith," he said.

Trump’s pulling out of the Paris commitments pursued by his predecessor Barack Obama would shock and offend European leaders in the 28-naiton European Union and in NATO and would strengthen the forces leading to the dissolution of both institutions, Jatras predicted.

"To the extent it convinces the Europeans that they don’t share the same ‘values’ as America and it hastens the demise of NATO — good. I’m sure the Poles will be thrilled to sign up for Merkel’s German-led European army," he said.

Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Accords set a precedent that could be followed by other major nations too, Jatras remarked.

"With the US perhaps other countries will quit as well. Maybe countries like China, India, and Russia that pay lip service to the climate change agenda with no real intention to follow through can breathe easier," he said.

Trump‘s action also served notice on other nations that he was serious about being prepared to face international anger and criticism for insisting that previous agreements and deals damaging to US interests be scrapped or renegotiated, Jatras pointed out.

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"Trump’s action also signals possible willingness to start playing hardball on renegotiating bad trade agreements. Ottawa, Mexico City and Seoul should take note," he said.

Within the United States, anger at Trump’s move might even serve to distract his political enemies from their baseless accusations about his alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 presidential election campaign, Jatras suggested.

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