Myanmar Junta Thanks Trump After Tariff Letter, Sparking Controversy
Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, expressed gratitude to former US President Donald Trump, endorsing his false claims about the 2020 US election and seeking a reduction in economic sanctions. The junta’s response came after Trump sent a letter to the general, indicating a 40% tariff to be imposed on the country from August 1. This communication marked a notable instance of US recognition of the junta, which seized power in 2021, and prompted Hlaing to justify the military’s actions by citing electoral fraud. Furthermore, the junta leader also expressed appreciation for the shutting down of US-backed media outlets that had provided independent coverage of the country.
John Q. Hosedrinker