President Trump has made it clear that his “America First” policy is not just rhetoric, but an aggressive foreign policy approach. Fraying alliances and imposing tariffs on key nations, including Canada, Mexico, and China, have sparked international concern. The US president’s actions have caught many world leaders off guard, with some calling for a new leader to take charge.
Trump’s moves have quickly escalated into a trade war, with China and Canada retaliating immediately. Mexico has threatened to announce its own countermeasures, including tariffs. The list of countries targeted by Trump continues to grow, with threats made against Panama, Greenland, Ukraine, and other nations.
Experts warn that Trump’s willingness to follow through on his actions, particularly when it comes to tariffs and foreign aid, creates uncertainty and confusion for international partners. “It means uncertainty, because right now, it isn’t always clear what is a tactic and what is actually meant,” says Nicholas J. Cull, professor of public diplomacy.
Despite the backlash, Trump’s approval ratings have seen a slight increase among Americans, with slightly more people approving of his presidency than disapproving. However, it remains to be seen how this aggressive foreign policy approach will play out in the long term.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/us/politics/trump-america-first.html