How Trump Is Unleashing His ‘America First’ Agenda on the World | WSJ

American Foreign Policy Under President Trump: A Year into His Second Term

Key Concepts:

• Monroe Doctrine on Steroids: An aggressive application of the Monroe Doctrine, asserting US dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
• Executive Overreach: The assertion that the President is exceeding the constitutional limits of their power.
• Regime Change: The act of removing a foreign government from power.
• Tripwire Forces: A small number of troops deployed to a region to act as a deterrent and trigger a larger response if attacked.
• De Jure Recognition: The act of a sovereign state recognizing another state as legitimate.

I. Introduction: A Transformative Foreign Policy

President Trump, just over a year into his second term, has fundamentally reshaped American foreign policy, prioritizing American interests above all else. This approach, characterized by direct action and a willingness to challenge established alliances, aims to establish the US as a dominant force on the global stage, according to supporters. Critics, however, argue that these policies have undermined US national security and international standing. The core tenet, as stated by President Trump, is a shift from “They put America last. We put America first.”

II. Intervention in Venezuela: A “Drug Caliphate” Targeted

The administration’s most visible intervention has been its escalating pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This began on September 2nd with a US strike against an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, framed as a direct threat to American security: “These are a direct military threat to the United States of America. They're trying to drug our country.” Since then, over 20 strikes have been conducted, and the Navy’s largest aircraft carrier has been deployed to the region.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of the President, describes this as the “Monroe Doctrine on steroids,” advocating for a forceful approach to regional issues. Trump himself expressed a desire to remove Maduro, stating, “If we can get Maduro out…make Venezuela an ally that doesn't poison Americans. That would be great. Cuba should be next.” He clarified he doesn’t believe a full-scale invasion is necessary, but “all options are on the table.”

However, this intervention has drawn criticism. Opponents, like Senator Jeanne Shaheen, argue that Venezuela does not pose a significant national security threat to the US, and the level of resources expended is disproportionate, suggesting the primary goal is “clearly…about regime change.” Concerns have also been raised about potential war crimes committed by US military officials. A recent Coast Guard operation involving the seizure of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast further exemplifies this assertive approach.

III. The Israel-Hamas Conflict: A Peacemaker’s Ambitions

President Trump positioned himself as a peacemaker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, spearheading the Israel-Hamas Peace Plan. The plan’s key elements included Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of hostages held by Hamas, and a commitment to a disarmed Hamas that would relinquish any claim to power in Gaza. Trump boldly claimed this deal “took 3,000 years to get to this point. And it's gonna hold up too.”

However, progress has stalled. Senator Shaheen, after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported, “We've hit a wall.” She expressed skepticism about Hamas’ willingness to disarm, noting, “They're saying that the heart and soul of Palestine is an armed Hamas.” She suggested a time-clock approach to disarmament, similar to the Iran deal, with the threat of military action if Hamas fails to comply.

IV. Ukraine and Russia: Seeking a Swift Resolution

The President campaigned on his ability to end the Russia-Ukraine war, promising to “settle the war in Ukraine before I even take office.” However, peace remains elusive. Trump has criticized both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, stating, “If you didn't have our military equipment, this war would've been over in two weeks.” He also expressed distrust of Putin, acknowledging, “We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin.”

The administration is reportedly pushing Zelensky to accept a deal that would involve ceding territory to Russia, believing Ukraine is losing the war and a deal now is preferable to further losses. This approach has been criticized by Senator Shaheen, who believes the administration is “supporting a plan that was written in Moscow.” She warned that allowing Russia to gain territory would embolden China to act against Taiwan and threaten NATO countries.

Senator Graham advocated for a stronger deterrent, proposing “tripwire European forces on the ground in Ukraine that if Putin tried this again…they’d run into European forces.” He emphasized the importance of a strong response to prevent further Russian aggression. The potential for recognizing Russian control of Donbas was also discussed, with Senator Shaheen firmly stating she “would never recognize legally Donbas being Russia, de jure recognition.”

V. Broader Implications and Assessments of Safety

The outcome of the Ukraine conflict is seen as having far-reaching consequences, potentially influencing China’s actions towards Taiwan. Intelligence officials believe China is closely monitoring the US response to Ukraine.

Assessing the overall impact of Trump’s foreign policy, Senator Shaheen stated, “No, I think the answer is no” when asked if the US is safer after one year of his second term. She believes the President’s actions have undermined national security. Conversely, Senator Graham asserted, “We’re much safer than we’ve been in decades,” citing successes against terrorist organizations, increased NATO funding, and a more assertive US stance. He proclaimed, “There is a new sheriff in town, and I like what I see from President Trump.”

Conclusion:

President Trump’s foreign policy is characterized by a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, prioritize American interests, and take direct action. While supporters praise his assertive approach and perceived successes, critics express concerns about executive overreach, potential war crimes, and the long-term consequences for US national security and international alliances. The interventions in Venezuela and Ukraine, along with the pursuit of the Israel-Hamas Peace Plan, demonstrate a clear departure from traditional US foreign policy and a commitment to reshaping the global landscape in America’s image.