Politics

Donald Trump Just Got Caught Saying the One Thing That Might Actually Shock His Die-Hard Supporters

October 19th 2016

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump built his campaign on proposed tough international trade agreements, massive limits on Muslim immigration, and building a giant border wall.

However, his positions on global economics from just three years are shockingly at odds with his current isolationist stance.

In a 2013 opinion piece for CNN, Trump made a plea for global cooperation and investment in Europe, Business Insider reports. 

Trump wrote about the "intertwined global economy" of the future.

"I think we've all become aware of the fact that our cultures and economics are intertwined," he wrote. "It's a complex mosaic that cannot be approached with a simple formula for the correct pattern to emerge. In many ways, we are in unchartered waters."

Here's the part that would likely shock the presidential candidate's support base.

He goes on to write that global economics are complicated but one thing he knows for sure: we need less borders.

"I've long been a believer in the 'look at the solution, not the problem' theory," Trump wrote. "In this case, the solution is clear. We will have to leave borders behind and go for global unity when it comes to financial stability."

The conclusion of Trump's piece is that the U.S. should make financial investments in Europe because a strong global economy helps us all.

"The future of Europe, as well as the United States, depends on a cohesive global economy," he wrote. "All of us must work toward together toward that very significant common goal."

Here's Why Trump's embrace of a global financial community in 2013 is shocking.

Trump's call to "leave borders behind" is a far cry from his current political platform, which has been fueled from the very start with his promise to build a literal wall between the U.S and Mexico.

"For many years, Mexico’s leaders have been taking advantage of the United States by using illegal immigration to export the crime and poverty in their own country (as well as in other Latin American countries). They have even published pamphlets on how to illegally immigrate to the United States."

Ironically, Trump criticized Clinton her vision of a "borderless world" in a July tweet.

Just last week, Trump claimed vindication after comments Clinton made about the global economy in a private speech were leaked. In the transcript of her remarks to a Brazilian bank, Clinton says she dreams of a "hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders, some time in the future with energy that is as green and sustainable as we can get it."

The scrutiny of Trump's and Clinton's comments show how anxiety about the global economy has become a premiere issue in American politics.

International trade deals have played a significant role in the 2016 presidential election, dating all the way back to the primaries. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders staked out a progressive position against the Trans Pacific Partnership, arguing that the compact would hurt American workers by opening up competition with countries that offer lower wages and workplace protections.

Trump has been harshly critical of U.S. trade agreements, as well. He said during a press-conference in June that he would look to immediately withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement, unless he could secure a better deal. Trump is also a staunch opponent of the TPP, and has repeatedly criticized his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton for supporting the deal during her tenure as Secretary of State. Clinton now says she opposes the deal.

ATTN: has reached out the Trump campaign for comment, and will update this story when we receive a response. 

RELATED: These Numbers Prove Donald Trump's Wall Is a Joke

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