With its motto “America first”, President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House, marking the beginning of a new era for the country, a period that will certainly give much to talk about after the controversial proposals and statements released during the election campaign. With an agenda that promises to rethink the United States’ role in the world, while doubling down on issues he believes will restore the country’s domestic flourishing, such as immigration and the fight against drugs, Trump has already started making some moveswhich means it is already drawing up the roadmap to start the chess which will begin on January 20, 2025.
The United States is by far one of the most influential countries in the entire world and the most influential in the Western world, Therefore, the decisions of the new president, which should be protectionist, are no small matter. For these reasons, it is essential to understand what the change really means for American politics, both internally and with respect to its international relations.
“America First”
During his campaign, Trump maintained a message of protecting American interests and amidst these he promised a less interventionist foreign policy, focused on “solve problems at home before solving them abroad”. With this tone that appeals to the feelings of many Americans, Trump has won many votes from citizens who believe that the country has stopped looking inward to intervene in foreign affairs.
This will imply significant changes, since, in the current context, The United States has been a major player in global conflicts, such as military support for Ukraine in the face of Russian invasion, the presence in Taiwan to contain China, the support and limited intervention in the Arab-Israeli war and the alliance in NATO will certainly be issues that the new president will put on the table to give them different treatment.
This Trump approach, which It might seem like strategic isolation, It has raised alarm among European allies and other nations that depend on the American presence as a factor of stability. However, Trump has also made it clear that he will not retreat from global affairs; What he will do, according to his campaign team, is “reevaluate the relationship with each ally,” prioritizing only those commitments that he says “benefit the United States.”
What will happen to Ukraine?
One of the most controversial issues that caused the most concern after Trump’s victory was his position on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. During the campaign, Trump assured, in one of his insults to Biden, that if he were president he could “end the war in 24 hours.”
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Although he did not explain exactly how, the comment was not forgotten and was interpreted as a desire to sit down to negotiate directly with Vladimir Putin, with whom he has shown himself to maintain a cordial relationship in the past. His relationship with the Russian president could generate changes significant in the development of the conflict and would perhaps require Ukraine to give up some of the disputed territories, a situation that would likely cause conflict with NATO.
Already in his first term, Trump had shown reservations about military funding for allies and international organizations. Now, after years of U.S. military support for Ukraine in the midst of a seemingly endless war, his return to the presidency has raised questions about whether this flow of aid will continue or instead push Ukraine to make concessions. For the Ukrainians and their NATO allies, this possibility represents a radical shift in the United States’ role as Kiev’s main military supporter.
InEurope, Leaders like Mario Draghi have highlighted that this administration could create a rift in transatlantic relations. Draghi called on the European Union to take measures to increase its economic and political independence from the United States.
Is the relationship between the United States and NATO damaged?
It is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, founded in Washington more than 60 years ago another institution worried about the big changes it could see with the new Trump administration. Already in his first term, the tycoon had criticized the disproportionate financial contributions of some member countries and had threatened to reduce American contributions to the organization. Now, upon his return, he has once again cast doubt on American participation, suggesting that the country will not defend those members who fail to fulfill their economic obligations.
For Europe this represents a risk, since there are some small or poor countries that would face a worrying vulnerability in the face of threats such as Russia, which already threatened them at the height of the Ukrainian conflict and which in recent years has increased its influence and has increased its military presence near their borders. The possible exit of the United States from the military alliance, or even a reduction in its role, could destabilize security, especially in Eastern Europe.
A war with China?
Another front on which Trump does not seem willing to give in is that of the relationship with China, which reminded us that this country is the greatest competitor for the flourishing of the United States. During his first term, the Republican launched a trade war against the Asian giantimposing tariffs on their products and increasing restrictions on technology. With his return to the White House, this policy will likely intensify, especially now that China has demonstrated its reach and strengthened its economic and military influence throughout the Asia-Pacific region and in its trade alliances with many other countries.
In that order of ideas, Trump’s return could imply new economic sanctions against Beijing, as well as an increase in the US military presence in the South China Sea, an area of great strategic value also claimed by China, where the political dispute for control of Taiwan is being fought. Although there are those who applaud Trump’s position, the position would not only have economic consequences, but could increase tensions in the region, putting at risk the stability of one of the most important trade corridors in the world.
Immigration and Trump’s heavy hand
As one of the pillars of his campaign, Trump also placed the issue of immigration and border security in the south of the country at the center of the political and social debate, two points on which he proved particularly strong in his first mandate. On this occasion, Not only does he talk about the wall, but he also promises “the largest deportation operation in the history of the country”. announcement that sparked concern among immigrant communities, particularly in Latin America. To top it all, he struck another blow and reiterated his intention to end citizenship rights for the children of undocumented immigrants, which would change the lives of thousands of people.
In Mexico and Central America the news was greeted with fear, as the increase in deportations could worsen the economic situation of countries that largely depend on remittances sent by their citizens to the United States, in addition to the arrival of thousands of migrants . increase the unemployment rate. Furthermore, Trump has described some Central American countries as ”exporters of violence and drugs.” which could impact support for their governments.
Middle East, pending
In the Middle East, Trump’s possible rapprochement with Russia could mean a change in the country’s alliances and stance on conflicts such as Syria and the relationship with Iran. Countries like Israel may see Trump as a stronger ally, especially on security issues, as the president-elect has made clear his support for Netanyahu and spoken of the need for the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital, a decision that has already generated and will generate strong tensions
New appointments
The nomination of Susie Wiles as chief of staff It is one of Trump’s first moves on his transition team. Wiles, an experienced and loyal figure within his circle, was instrumental in his campaign and is known for his ability to manage crises and coordinate teams. However, other names being talked about for key positions, such as billionaire Elon Musk and vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., could add even more controversy to this administration.
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The possible inclusion of Musk, who has expressed his support for Trump on several occasions, shows that the new president could opt for an entrepreneurial and technological administration, which could lead to the restructuring of some government agencies. On the other hand, Kennedy’s inclusion in public health issues could mean a drastic change in vaccination policies that have been quite controversial since covid-19.
Biden’s legacy
For his part, the outgoing president, Joe Biden, He promised a peaceful and orderly transition. In his speech acknowledging Trump’s victory and his party’s defeat, Biden stressed the importance of unity and asked Americans to see beyond their political differences.
Trump’s arrival threatens to reverse many of Biden’s successes, who has implemented several reforms on climate change and international diplomacy that Trump does not recognize. It’s not an easy life for the outgoing president, who faces criticism within his party for not granting the nomination to Kamala Harris sooner, which could have given him an advantage over Trump. His defeat also represents a serious blow for the Democrats, who see how many of their projects could be dismantled under the new administration. In this sense, Biden’s departure marks the end of a cycle and opens the door to a different era for the future of the United States.
Trump’s return creates one of the most complex situations in the recent history of the United States. His radical approach to issues such as immigration, foreign policy and national security reflects the courage of the businessman, but we must not forget that these are major challenges for the coming years which generate a climate of uncertainty at the level global.
In a context of tensions with Russia, China and Europe, Trump’s mandate could redefine the role of the United States in the world and mark a change in the global balance of power. Some see Trump as a leader who will restore America to its former greatness, others fear that his unconventional style and aggressive policies could isolate the country at a time when the world is increasingly interconnected.
Cohesive approach to addressing the challenges facing the nation. As Biden prepares to leave office, he has highlighted the achievements of his administration, including infrastructure investments, healthcare expansions, and efforts to combat climate change. However, Trump’s return raises questions about how these initiatives will be maintained or altered.
Trump’s administration could undo several key policies related to healthcare and climate, potentially rolling back regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions and expanding healthcare access. This shift could lead to significant social and economic implications for millions of Americans who may have benefited from Biden’s policies.
Trump’s potential return to the presidency signifies a dramatic shift in American foreign and domestic policies. His relationships with global leaders and his approach to NATO could reshape the geopolitical landscape. Domestically, his hardline stances on immigration and potential healthcare shifts signal a turbulent era ahead. The interplay between Biden’s legacy and Trump’s policy direction will likely dominate political discourse in the coming months as the nation navigates these crucial transitions.