Trump plans to ask for trust of Americans on Afghanistan: report

President Trump reportedly plans to ask Americans to trust him when he addresses the nation Monday evening on his plans for Afghanistan and South Asia.

CNN reported  the president plans to ask for Americans’ trust regarding his strategy in Afghanistan.

The White House announced Sunday the president would address the nation in a prime-time address “on the path forward for America’s engagement in Afghanistan and South Asia.”

Trump, who before the presidential election criticized U.S. involvement in the war, is likely to announce an increase in U.S. troops in Afghanistan. He is expected to add 4,000 troops to the 8,400 now deployed in Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary James Mattis earlier on Sunday told reporters on a flight to Jordan that Trump had made a decision on Afghanistan. 

“I am very comfortable that the strategic process was sufficiently rigorous and did not go in with a pre-set position,” Mattis said. 

The White House statement also suggested Trump would be talking about North Korea in his address.

Before becoming president, Trump had for years called on the U.S. to withdraw from Afghanistan and redirect resources toward rebuilding the United States.

I agree with Pres. Obama on Afghanistan. We should have a speedy withdrawal. Why should we keep wasting our money — rebuild the U.S.!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2013

We have wasted an enormous amount of blood and treasure in Afghanistan. Their government has zero appreciation. Let's get out!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 21, 2013