Trump Vows To 'Shake The Rust Off' American Foreign Policy
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- As he moves closer to the Republican nomination, Donald Trump is looking to convince voters that he can master the role of commander-in-chief -- saying it's "time to shake the rust off America's foreign policy.''
He delivered his first formal foreign policy speech today to a group of conservative experts and writers in Washington -- telling them that his goal is "peace and prosperity, not war and destruction.''
Trump said his goals can be achieved through a "disciplined, deliberate and consistent foreign policy'' -- but that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has delivered one that is "reckless, rudderless and aimless.''
He says "America first'' will be the "overriding theme'' of his administration if he's elected president.
Trump is warning U.S. allies they would be left to defend themselves if they don't 'pay their fair share.'' And he's calling for an easing of tensions with Russia "from a position of strength, only.''
Trump spoke from prepared remarks with the assistance of teleprompters -- a rarity for the billionaire businessman who is known for his off-the-cuff style.
The speech was expected to test whether Trump, known for his raucous rallies and eyebrow-raising statements, can present a more presidential persona as he works to coalesce a still-weary Republican establishment around his candidacy.
Trump has a lot to prove when it comes to calming foreign leaders and policy professionals. They've been stunned by his often brash policy proclamations, like his vow to bar foreign Muslims from entering the country.
In an interview Wednesday morning on CNN's "New Day,'' Trump pushed back against suggestions that he should tone down his combative campaign style as he moves closer to clinching the GOP nomination.
The billionaire real estate mogul said "I may tone it down," before quickly adding, "I may tone it up.''
Trump, who reportedly has been urged to show a more presidential demeanor on the campaign stump, said, "You have to be flexible. I will determine when I see how other people punch back.''
In the interview, he showed no inclination to significantly alter the bombastic campaign style that has landed him within reach of the presidential nomination. "I'm not changing,'' Trump told a news conference in Manhattan on Tuesday night.
The foreign policy speech comes after five convincing primary victories on Tuesday.
Trump earned 105 delegates Tuesday after winning all five primaries in Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Rhode Island. He is now about 400 delegates ahead of Ted Cruz, his closest Republican competitor.
After the speech, Trump will head to Indiana, which holds its primary next Tuesday.
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