As the newly formed presidential transition team begins to map out his upcoming administration, President-elect Donald Trump is in position to take a “Magnum Sharpie” to President Barack Obama’s presidential legacy.
Trump, may start rewriting Obama's legacy by taking his marker and blacking out the president's promise to close the naval prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GITMO).
Early in his presidential candidacy, then-Republican presidential candidate Trump countered President Obama’s 2008 campaign promise to close the prison.
In an exclusive interview with the Shark Tank and Hispolitica, Trump said that he would keep the base open, and for the first time publicly stated that he supported ‘all’ advanced interrogation techniques used to extract vital information from GITMO detainees.
I would keep it, and I would not close it. I would use it, and I would use it well.-Donald Trump
As Commander-In-Chief, Trump says that he would seek to make the U.S. military the “strongest, most powerful military,” and having the “best equipment.” In addition, Trump states that under his leadership, “we will have a tremendous military, but hopes that it will never have to be used.
Earlier this year, President Obama outlined his plan for closing down prison, and even though Trump has threatened to keep it open, Obama may expedite his GITMO detainee release plan before he leaves office.
"For many years, it's been clear that the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay does not advance our national security -- it undermines it. ... Moreover, keeping this facility open is contrary to our values. It undermines our standing in the world.”-President Obama
Here is Trump talking about keeping the naval prison open. Watch the video.