“‘America First’ shouldn’t become ‘America Only’… We must not turn our backs on our allies”
“Concerns about some personnel in Trump’s next administration’s foreign and security line”
At a Korean American event, Andy Kim, the first Korean American to be elected as a U.S. federal senator, expressed “concern” on November 14 (local time) about the foreign and security line in the next administration announced by President-elect Donald Trump.
After giving a speech at the annual gala of the Korean American Committee (CKA) held at a hotel in Washington, D.C., Representative Kim spoke with a Yonhap News Agency reporter. When asked to evaluate the foreign and security line appointments for Trump’s second term, he said, “(After taking office as a senator next January) I have to be cautious because I must vote on the confirmations,” but added that “some of the nominees are concerning.”
Without naming specific individuals, he explained his concerns are due to a lack of respect for alliances and for the U.S.-Korea relationship.
Kim stated that “we must make it clear that we are not pursuing an isolationist policy” and expressed his worries about the foreign policies that the Trump administration might pursue.
“We must ensure that their ‘America First’ policy does not mean ‘America Only,’ nor should it mean turning our backs on allies,” he emphasized.
Regarding his future aspirations as a senator, Kim added, “I hope to be able to play a positive role in strengthening the relationship between the United States and Korea.”
Kim was elected as a federal senator representing New Jersey in the congressional elections held simultaneously with the presidential election on November 5. He is the first Korean American to advance to the U.S. Senate.
The hundreds of Korean Americans who filled the venue that day celebrated and rejoiced in unity over Kim’s historic election, marking a new chapter in the 120-year history of Korean immigration to America.
In his speech amid enthusiastic applause, Kim shared that when he decided to run for the Senate, someone told him that “you are a minority who will find it difficult to win an election across all residents of New Jersey.”
“I appeal not only to those who look like me (Korean and Asian individuals) but also to others, as a Korean American and as an American,” he said, pointing out the ongoing racial prejudice in American society and politics.
Kim continued, “I believe the next decade will be the most dynamic and exciting time for Koreans and Asians in American politics. I want to continue writing the story of Korean Americans and showcase our potential and what we can achieve.”
Also attending the event was Dave Min, who was elected as a federal representative from California for the first time.
In his speech, Korea’s Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong mentioned Kim and Min, introducing that the upcoming 119th U.S. Congress, set to open in January, will include a Korean American senator and at least three Korean American representatives.
Ambassador Cho added, “The presence of so many Korean American legislators can truly make a difference in enhancing U.S.-Korea relations in the coming years.”
[jhcho@yna.co.kr]