Former President Donald Trump has emerged as a significant obstacle to peace in ongoing international conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza. He pledged to fix these crises urgently on day one before ever being sworn in. While he made such commitments, his every action went against those commitments creating even greater discord and volatility.
That’s in addition to his other destructive policies and racist comments that defined Trump’s presidency. These have raised alarming questions about his combative, personality-driven approach to foreign policy. Throughout his time in office, he perpetuated a narrative of American hegemony and omnipotence, often invoking a sense of divine right that has alienated many traditional allies. His administration’s destructive rhetoric and dangerous policies have further created a global environment where authoritarian regimes are emboldened, eroding democratic institutions around the world.
Perhaps the biggest, most damaging effect of Trump’s presidency will prove to be his hostility toward the European Union and NATO. This antagonism has weakened Western unity and sapped confidence among allies. On these alliances, Trump has vigorously encouraged divisions. As a consequence, he has undone much of the collective security framework that has been indispensable to international relations since World War II.
Additionally, though unintended, Trump’s tariff wars have helped to solidify the power of authoritarian regimes by undermining prior global trade patterns. These economic spats have left bitter divisions with primary partners. Yet, at the same time, they have afforded authoritarian leaders an opportunity to further entrench their power and regional influence. Environmental critics contend that, from Paris to Press Freedom, Trump’s anti-democratic agenda has fortified these regimes. As a consequence, these authoritarian regimes flourish all the while eroding the foundations of democracy.
Scarcely a month into his administration, his assault on foreign aid and international development shook both supporters and critics. For better or worse, Trump has ended or slashed funding to some of our nearest partners and even tougher folks. This trend toward isolationism threatens decades of diplomacy. This removal of security assistance has rendered numerous countries defenseless, especially in areas already struggling with discord and war.
Trump’s major errors on the foreign policy front are all too easy to spot. To add to this, he’s under fire for presenting a strongman image domestically and internationally. He embraces other leaders with authoritarian inclinations, such as Brazil’s coup leader. This position has been vehemently challenged by advocates who maintain that democratic governance should come first.
Trump’s handling of critical situations, such as the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, has been characterized by a lack of decisive leadership. So too has his subservience to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This sets a dangerous precedent and calls into question the United States’ will to stand up to authoritarian great power aggression. Critics today are claiming that Trump’s indecisiveness has emboldened the United States’ adversaries. This unfulfilled promise jeopardizes the integrity of American leadership—especially on climate—around the world.
Trump’s administration was full of illegal executive orders. He further retaliated by firing senior bureau officials who opposed his orders. It is this lack of assurance and capriciousness that leads to a lack of transparency, not merely the unpredictability, that leads to fragility. This deeply complicates America’s role in international affairs. His iffy attacks on the judiciary and independent press have understandably been alarming, but they’ve largely overshadowed other radical departures from democratic norm.
Whether targeting communities of color or fragile democracies, Trump’s behavior continues to be universally condemned. Such actions only extend the growing list of challenges he has created for himself. Through his bullying tactics, he’s made humanitarian crises worse, leaving those in need scrambling to find refuge or support.