Harris claims dictators can 'manipulate' Trump, while Trump insists North Korea is 'afraid' of him

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris accused Republican candidate Donald Trump of cozying up to dictators, while the former president said the current vice president would weaken the United States globally.

U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, right, and former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spar in a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday. [AFP/YONHAP]

In the first televised U.S. presidential debate between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump on Tuesday, the current vice president and former president contrasted sharply in their approaches to international relations.

Trump argued that the world's largest conflicts would have been averted if here was still in office, claiming that his leadership instilled fear in global leaders of countries like China, Russia and North Korea. Harris, in turn, accused Trump of admiring dictators, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

“It is well known that he [Trump] admires dictators, wants to be a dictator from day one according to himself,” Harris said, adding that "it is well-known he exchanged love letters with Kim Jong-un.”

She argued that these autocrats around the world are "rooting for" Trump’s return to power because they believe they can manipulate him "with flattery and favors."

The Democratic candidate also emphasized the importance of strong alliances and national security, criticizing Trump’s leadership.

“So many military leaders who you have worked with have told me you are a disgrace," Harris said directly to her opponent.

She underscored the role of the president as commander-in-chief, adding that a leader must show strength and understanding that the U.S.' alliances around the world are dependent on its ability to look out for partner nations and not favor adversaries, accusing Trump of adoring "strongmen" instead of valuing democracy.

In response, Trump defended his foreign policy record, arguing that his leadership earned the respect and fear of global powers.

The former president cited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who he described as “the most respected and most feared person" in the world, as the source of the claim that China, North Korea and Russia were "afraid of" him.

“We had no problems when [I] was president," Trump continued.

"Putin endorsed her last week. [He] said, ‘I hope she wins,’ and I think he meant it," he said, suggesting that authoritarian leaders like Putin would view the country as weak if Harris were to be elected.

The debate also touched on economic policies, with Harris claiming that Trump's tariff policies would increase costs for middle-class families by about $4,000 per year.

Trump rejected that premise, saying that domestic prices won't rise for consumers. "Who is going to have higher prices is China and all of the countries that have been ripping us off for years,” he said.

Trump further highlighted his administration’s tough stance on defense spending, emphasizing that U.S. allies should contribute more.

“We were being ripped off by European nations both on trade and on NATO. I got them to pay up by saying, ‘If you don’t pay, we’re not going to protect you,’” Trump said.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]