In his first year of a second term, President Donald Trump has redefined 'America First' as an aggressive use of U.S. unilateral power globally, rather than isolationism. Actions include blockades on Venezuelan oil tankers, tariffs on allies, and efforts to end conflicts like the war in Gaza. Critics question the sustainability of these transactional deals and the strain on alliances.
President Donald Trump's second term has seen a bold shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing aggressive unilateral actions under the banner of 'America First.' Far from withdrawing from the world, Trump has escalated pressures on adversaries and allies alike to reshape global dynamics in America's favor.
Key moves include a recent blockade on all oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela that appear on U.S. sanctions lists, intensifying the campaign against President Nicolas Maduro. This fits into broader regional efforts, such as deadly strikes on drug boats, military buildup in the Caribbean, immigration measures, and a $20 billion bailout for Argentina. Trump has invoked the Monroe Doctrine to assert U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, countering influences from China and Russia. As NPR's Franco Ordoñez reported, Trump views the world through 'spheres of influence,' prioritizing the Americas while seeking deals with Russia to end the Ukraine war.
Trump boasts of major achievements, claiming he has 'restored American strength, settled eight wars in 10 months, destroyed the Iran nuclear threat and ended the war in Gaza, bringing, for the first time in 3,000 years, peace to the Middle East.' These include securing hostage releases in Gaza, a ceasefire there that has curbed the worst violence, and short-term peace deals between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo—though the latter has already broken down.
Other actions encompass tariffs as weapons against allies, declaring war on drug cartels, and cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House describes these as fulfilling promises for fair-trade deals, increased ally defense spending, and eliminating 'narco terrorists' to enhance global safety.
Critics, however, highlight risks. Stewart Patrick of the Carnegie Endowment called it a 'second American Revolution,' with Trump declaring 'independence from the world that the United States created.' Former ambassador Wendy Sherman, who served under three presidents, described the approach as transactional but overly bilateral and go-it-alone, eroding trust with allies through public bullying. On Ukraine, she noted failed negotiations where Putin manipulated U.S. envoys, as intelligence confirms Russia's intent to seize all of Ukraine. Benjamin Gedan, a former Obama official, criticized the military-first strategy in Latin America as 'bad medicine,' advocating instead for investment, trade, and law enforcement aid to counter China's growing role.
Sherman questioned deal sustainability, pointing to ongoing Gaza deaths and West Bank settlements despite the ceasefire. She advised using full diplomatic teams, intelligence, and allies like the UK and France, stressing that negotiations with aggressors like Russia are not among equals.
