Cover Story: Trump Stakes Out Aggressive Policy Shifts, Setting the World on Edge

Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, marking a historic moment as he became the first President since Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms. At 78, Trump also became the oldest President to assume office. He began his second term amid nationwide protests but with higher public approval ratings and a strengthened Republican base compared to his first term. [para. 1]

During his inaugural speech, Trump described the U.S. as a "nation in decline" and vowed to address what he labeled government betrayal. He promised to take on "woke culture," enforce stricter immigration policies, and revamp federal operations. On his first day, Trump signed 42 executive orders, initiating contentious actions like pardoning January 6th Capitol rioters, withdrawing from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement, and rescinding birthright citizenship, prompting immediate legal challenges. Analysts, however, question the practicality of these bold moves. [para. 2]

In foreign policy, Trump revisited controversial goals such as reclaiming the Panama Canal and renaming the Gulf of Mexico, and committed to brokering peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, positioning himself as a dealmaker. His approach raised concerns among allies, particularly due to his expansionist rhetoric and threats of imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico. [para. 3][para. 4]

Trump's re-election signifies a major shift in U.S. politics and international relations, with his administration packing federal institutions with partisan figures and adopting aggressive stances on trade, territorial expansion, and geopolitical dominance. During his campaign, he had promised steep tariffs on imports and imposed a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports and a 10% surcharge on Chinese goods shortly after taking office. These actions, more moderate than his original campaign promises, signal a return to protectionist policies. [para. 4][para. 6]

Economic analysts suggest that Trump's measures could lead to volatility, with the potential of high tariff rates on Chinese imports. Some view Trump's proposals as negotiation tactics rather than policies, leaving markets in a state of uncertainty. [para. 5][para. 6]

Since his re-election, Trump reignited controversy with provocative statements targeting Greenland and the Panama Canal, causing geopolitical tensions with Denmark and Panama. His rhetoric and pressure tactics aim to secure concessions from other nations, worsening U.S.-EU relations and unsettling allies within the European Union, which are already dealing with political and economic instability. [para. 8][para. 9][para. 10][para. 11]

Facilitating a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is one of Trump's top diplomatic challenges. Trump had pledged to resolve the conflict within 24 hours post-inauguration but has since extended this timeline. Efforts include a potential ceasefire plan involving non-NATO commitments from Ukraine and European peacekeeping forces. However, resolving sovereignty disputes and sanctions issues remains complex. Experts doubt Trump's ability to quickly achieve a sustainable peace. [para. 12][para. 13][para. 16][para. 19]

Trump's presidency also signals possible changes in U.S.-China relations. He invited Chinese leaders to his inauguration and engaged in diplomatic conversations, hinting at a more pragmatic approach to China compared to his previous term. His administration balances hardliners and pragmatists, suggesting a strategy of combining negotiation with confrontational rhetoric for leverage. There may be opportunities for cooperation in areas like trade, climate change, and technology. [para. 20][para. 21][para. 23][para. 25][para. 29]

Trump’s diplomacy is marked by a willingness to engage with China, reflected in plans for a potential visit, indicating a strategic move to recalibrate relations. Analysts note Trump's goal of reaching a new agreement with China, using confrontational rhetoric to strengthen negotiations. Local leaders advocate for maintaining cultural and economic ties, urging constructive competition. Trump's return highlights global shifts toward security, with long-term implications for U.S.-China relations. [para. 22][para. 28][para. 29][para. 31][para. 34]