Donald Trump has recently made headlines for a series of controversial statements and actions as tensions rise both domestically and internationally. His administration is still trying to find its footing on these major and contentious topics, from immigration to trade wars to international diplomacy. A decision from the federal judge is expected soon on whether to or not to block Trump’s executive order that seeks to curtail birthright citizenship. In this context, this ruling is potentially disastrous.
In a recent letter to Brazil’s new President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump made his displeasure known. He denounced the prosecution of his former ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro. He then shoved a surprise 50% tariff down Brazil’s throat, illustrating just how mad he is about trade. This letter calls attention to Trump’s general trade strategy. He specifically intends to level punitive tariffs on seven countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Trump’s concerns extend beyond trade. He’s been direct in calling out Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially during this time of war in Ukraine. And with the war protracting, so too does Trump’s impatience. His administration’s approach to foreign relations continues to evolve, particularly as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Malaysia. Rubio’s trip would be his first to Asia since Trump’s inauguration.
“It is our view, our strong view, and the reality that this century and the next, the story of the next 50 years, will largely be written here in this region, in this part of the world,” – Marco Rubio
In yet another alarming development, Trump has been pushing for fast-track deportations of all undocumented migrants. His administration has proposed sending migrants to third countries if there are delays or complications in returning them to their home nations. That’s why this week, U.S. officials are having roundtable discussions with five African presidents. In addition, they pushed for these leaders to agree to accept deported migrants from the US.
As reported by Reuters, two officials familiar with these discussions confirmed that the Trump administration is actively seeking assistance from African leaders to manage migrant deportations effectively.
Despite all of these being extremely controversial and facing an avalanche of Democratic pushback and litigation, Trump took bold action. Today, a federal judge will probably determine whether to stay Trump’s dangerous executive order that severely restricts birthright citizenship. The reason so many folks believe that this policy violates well-established legal principles.
Trump’s shadow still looms large over domestic political circles. Texas Republicans are preparing to return to the drawing board on their congressional maps. Besides giving the Republican Party additional seats in the U.S. House, this decision shows Trump’s persistent grasp over party strategy.
Rubio’s meeting with foreign ministers from ASEAN countries poses a complex challenge for him as he navigates the intricate dynamics of U.S.-China relations amidst Trump’s escalating trade war. That’s the pressure though, as he tries to reassure allies, but undo the damage of Trump’s more radical and inflammatory policies.
“When I hear … that perhaps the United States or the world might be distracted by events in other parts of the planet, I would say distraction is impossible.” – Marco Rubio
Former President Trump’s incendiary approach to foreign policy and immigration is still causing deep backlash and controversy. Imposing these tariffs on ASEAN countries would only heighten tensions, harming America’s own interests in the region.