During his presidency from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, Donald Trump pursued a foreign policy agenda characterized by his “America First” approach, which aimed to prioritize U.S. national interests above all else. This approach marked a departure from traditional diplomatic norms and had significant implications globally.
Trump’s administration initiated a trade war with China in 2018, imposing tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods. This move was part of his broader strategy to address what he saw as unfair trade practices and to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with China. The trade tensions persisted throughout his presidency, impacting global markets and relations between the world’s two largest economies.
In 2018, Trump successfully renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), resulting in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This new trade deal aimed to modernize and rebalance trade relations among the three North American countries, reflecting Trump’s emphasis on securing more favorable terms for American workers and industries.
Trump’s approach to defense and security policy included efforts to strengthen U.S. military capabilities while questioning the financial burden of maintaining military alliances. He frequently criticized NATO allies for not meeting their defense spending commitments, calling for greater burden-sharing within the alliance. This stance caused tensions with key European allies but also led to increased defense spending commitments from several NATO member states.
Diplomatically, Trump engaged directly with adversaries such as North Korea’s Kim Jong-un. In 2018, he became the first sitting U.S. president to meet with a North Korean leader, holding summits aimed at denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. Despite these diplomatic efforts, including symbolic gestures like the suspension of North Korean missile tests, tangible progress towards denuclearization remained elusive.
In the Middle East, Trump made significant policy shifts, including recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December 2017 and moving the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv in May 2018. This decision sparked international condemnation and complicated efforts to broker peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Internationally, Trump’s skepticism towards multilateralism led to several key withdrawals. In 2017, he announced the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing that it disadvantaged American businesses. He also criticized and withdrew funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, accusing it of mismanagement and alleged bias towards China during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critics of Trump’s foreign policy argue that his transactional approach strained relationships with traditional allies, undermined global cooperation, and left voids in international leadership. Proponents, however, assert that his policies reasserted American sovereignty, reshaped global trade dynamics, and compelled allies to shoulder more responsibility in collective security efforts.
As Trump’s presidency concluded, his foreign policy legacy continues to shape discussions about U.S. global leadership, international relations, and the future direction of American foreign policy.