Trump said that “my own morality” is the only thing restraining his use of global power

US President Donald Trump said in an interview published on Thursday that his “own morality” is the only limit on his authority to order military action worldwide.

Speaking to The New York Times, Trump made the remarks days after launching a swift operation that led to the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, while also issuing threats against several other countries and the autonomous territory of Greenland.

When asked whether there were any constraints on his global power, Trump replied: “Yes, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me.”

He added that he did not require international law, saying, “I’m not looking to hurt people,” before later qualifying the statement by saying he does adhere to international law — though “it depends what your definition of international law is.”

The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which prosecutes war crimes, and has repeatedly rejected rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ highest judicial body.

Trump has also faced legal challenges at home, having been impeached twice, charged in multiple federal cases — including over efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which were dropped following his re-election — and convicted for falsifying records related to hush money payments.

Despite portraying himself as a “peace president” and expressing interest in winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump has ordered a series of military actions during his second term. These include strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June, as well as operations over the past year in Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and most recently Venezuela.

Following Maduro’s capture, Trump has escalated rhetoric toward other countries, including Colombia, and reiterated interest in Greenland, which is governed by NATO ally Denmark. Asked whether preserving NATO or acquiring Greenland was the priority, Trump said, “It may be a choice.”

Some lawmakers, including several Republicans, have sought to curb Trump’s military authority. On Thursday, the US Senate advanced legislation aimed at limiting presidential military action in Venezuela, though Trump would likely veto the measure if it reaches him.

The billionaire president, a former real estate developer, said US ownership of Greenland is “psychologically needed for success.”

Trump also said he sees no issue with his family engaging in foreign business dealings since his return to office. “I barred them from doing business in my first term and got absolutely no credit for it,” he said. “I realized nobody cared, and I’m allowed to.”