Letters: Trump’s rhetoric signals dangerous imperial ambitions
Trump’s aspirations
In light of recent events, it would appear that Donald Trump has moved on from his desire to join King Charles as a monarch and now has aspirations to be Emperor Donald the First.
With his actions in Venezuela and rhetoric on Cuba, Colombia and Greenland, he apparently wants to expand his empire. Let’s not forget his comments from earlier in 2025 about Canada becoming the 51st state.
As an American citizen, I am horrified that enough of my fellow citizens have approved of his desire to use the economic strength of the United States to exert control over sovereign nations in the Americas all in the name of United States national security.
Surely, from our experience over the past 250 years, Americans should have learned that our previous attempts to do what he wants to do have ended badly for everyone.
I can only hope that the American voters elect enough representatives so that the United States and the world can return to a rules-based way of governing. I hope that 2026 ends with the world in a better place for everyone.
Dunstan Sheldon, Hamilton.
Arrogant behaviour
Rod Emmerson’s cartoon showing Trump‘s arrogance towards the United Nations Article 2(4) demanding all members to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other states, yet again hit the nail on the head.
The question is, is New Zealand safe from the same arrogant behaviour, and the answer is no. For example, we have banned American nuclear-armed and propelled ships by law from New Zealand waters and this could be a catalyst for aggressive action.
The need for small countries like New Zealand to take action to reform the United Nations is obvious, and the first step is to remove the power of veto so that the Security Council can be effective and protect us from rogue nations.
This can be done by using the mechanism “uniting for peace” in the United Nations’ general assembly, and we should ask our government to action this immediately, as a prelude for wider United Nations reform.
We also need to consult on what percentage of our gross national product, GNP, we should contribute annually to an effective United Nations peacekeeping force. May I suggest at least 1%?
Dennis Worley, Birkenhead.
Corruption rules
According to the World Population Review website, 70% of the world’s leaders or governments, or a combination of both, are corrupt. So Donald Trump, as a self-appointed God of us all, certainly has a job on his hands.
Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay.
Trump worship
Donald Trump is a wonderful example of the self-made American man who loves, serves and worships his creator above all else.
John Christiansen, Mt Albert.
Changing our name
What an excellent article by Geoff Parker in Wednesday’s Herald.
New Zealand, as he states, is where many generations of New Zealanders, including Māori and immigrants, have always called home.
A democratic state in which they developed institutions, fought wars, and built their lives.
Surely the process of name change should come from public pressure and be transitional over a period, not from language as a political instrument, adopted by government departments, media organisations, or publicly funded institutions.
We appear to be in a time of transition, and both names should be used, New Zealand Aotearoa at this time. New Zealand should be first, then perhaps reversed.
This should negate the argument of abrupt change and also help to educate.
Gillman Rae, Cornwallis.
The origins of our name
Amidst the discussions on changing the name of our country from New Zealand to Aotearoa, it is worth considering the origins of the name New Zealand.
In 1642, Abel Tasman is reputed to be the first European to sight our country.
He named it Staten Landt. On his return to his then base at Batavia (present day Jakarta) his navigational notes were used by cartographer Willem Blaeu to draw charts of the expedition.
It is this cartographer, who had never been to our country, who named it Nova Zeelandia after a province in his native Holland. When James Cook visited here, he anglicised the name to New Zealand.
This is hardly a substantive basis for giving a country an enduring name.
On the broader question of countries changing their name there is precedent. Ceylon to Sri Lanka, Rhodesia to Zimbabwe, Formosa to Taiwan, etc.
Neal Henderson, Bucklands Beach.
Covering the winners
Firstly, thanks to the Herald for some excellent reporting on Auckland’s top current sporting event, the tennis at Stanley St.
However, can we please see photos of “winners”. I’m sure our large Filipino population would love to see a photo of their player and rising star, Alex Eala. (Wed 7th issue featured two losers, Monique Barry and Venus Williams.)
With all the depressing news about events in Venezuela, Ukraine and Gaza, sport gives an opportunity for readers to enjoy some happy, uplifting stories and photos.
There will be plenty of opportunities in 2026 with some massive sporting events on the horizon.
Glen Stanton, Mairangi Bay.
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