Trump's administration was described as breaking the post-1945 rules-based liberal international order and abandoning multilateralism.[6][4][7] Trump's relations with U.S. allies have been transactional and ranged from indifference to hostility, while he has sought friendlier relations with certain U.S. adversaries.[8][9] The administration is generally opposed to international cooperation on areas such as the environment, global health, or the economy, which it views as against the national interest; it seeks to reduce or end foreign aid, and to change relationships and policies accordingly.[10][11]
A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that more than half in 19 of 24 countries surveyed, said they lack confidence in Trump’s leadership of world affairs, with views about Trump differing sharply along ideological and partisan lines.[17]
Among 24 surveyed countries, Trump's 2025 ratings trailed those of Joe Biden's 2024 ratings by an average of twelve percentage points in world affairs, though Trump fared better among right-wing populist parties in Europe.[18]
Within his first week in office in January 2025, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders reflecting the priorities of his administration. These included Executive Order 14147, directing agencies to identify and eliminate politically motivated conduct;[19] Executive Order 14148, rescinding executive actions from the previous administration;[20] and Executive Order 14149, prohibiting the use of federal resources for censorship and directing a review of past government communication policies.[21] He also declared a national energy emergency to boost domestic production (Executive Order 14156);[22] initiated withdrawal from the Paris Agreement (Executive Order 14162);[23] and signed Executive Order 14160, which aimed to challenge the current interpretation of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.[24] Additional actions included reinstating the name "Mount McKinley" (Executive Order 14172);[25] and issuing guidance to combat antisemitism in educational institutions and federal agencies (Executive Order 14188).[26]
Signing ceremony for the peace agreement, Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the Rwandan–backed Goma offensive in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, affirming that the U.S. supports the Congolese sovereignty in a phone call with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi.[27] Rubio called for an immediate ceasefire on January 28, 2025, after a phone conversation with Rwanda President Paul Kagame, and for all parties to respect sovereign territorial integrity.[28]
In late June 2025, Rubio and the Qatari government helped broker a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda in an effort to end fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. DRC President Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Kagame signed the peace agreement at the White House on June 27. As part of the agreement, Rwandan forces would withdraw within 90 days and the Rwandan and DRC governments would launch a regional economic integration framework within 90 days. The peace agreement also called for respecting territorial integrity and the disarmament of all non-state actors including the Rwandan-backed March 23 Movement and the Hutu-dominated Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). In addition, the peace agreement included provisions for US investment in the DRC's mineral sector.[29][30] The Congo River Alliance and M23 did not participate in the White House peace agreement, preferring to wait the outcome of Qatari-brokered peace talks in Doha.[29][30] On June 20, President Trump expressed support for the DRC-Rwandan peace talks, stating on Truth Social that: "This is a Great Day for Africa and, quite frankly, a Great Day for the World!...”[30] By contrast, Congolese human rights activist and Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege and former DRC President Joseph Kabila criticised the peace agreement as disadvantageous to Congolese interests.[30][31]
During his speech to a joint session of Congress in March 2025, Trump said that the United States had previously spent $8 million "to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of." Lesotho criticized the remarks, calling them "quite insulting."[32]
On February 6, 2025, Secretary of State Rubio announced that he would not attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing South Africa's "controversial land expropriation law" as one of his reasons.[33] The following day, President Trump issued an Executive Order to suspend any aid or assistance to South Africa, citing South Africa's expropriation law which allegedly discriminated against Afrikaners.[34] In that same executive order, he said that the U.S. would promote the resettlement of "Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination, including racially discriminatory property confiscation," and grant Afrikaners rapid pathways to citizenship.[35]
In response, South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Chrispin Phiri denounced the decision, saying it was insensitive towards South Africa's historical experience with colonialism and Apartheid and added it was based on misinformation and propaganda.[36] During his annual State of the Nation Address, South African PresidentCyril Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa "will not be intimidated or pushed around."[37] In early February 2025, Reuters reported that Errol Musk had arranged a phone call between Ramaphosa and Trump ally Elon Musk in response to the suspension of US aid to South Africa.[38]
In early March 2025, Ramaphosa issued a statement rejecting "counterproductive megaphone diplomacy" after Trump published a social media post reiterating his earlier claim that South Africa was confiscating land from farmers.[39]
Later in March 2025, the Trump administration declared South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasoolpersona non grata, ordering him to leave the U.S. by March 21. The decision, announced by Marco Rubio on social media before formal notification, followed remarks Rasool made in a webinar criticizing U.S. policies. South Africa objected to the manner of the expulsion, accusing the U.S. of bypassing diplomatic channels, while Ramaphosa downplayed the issue, calling it a "hiccup" in U.S.-South Africa relations.[40]
The first group of 59 White South African refugees arrived in Dulles, Virginia on May 12, 2025.[41] On May 21, Trump hosted Ramaphosa and a large South African delegation during an Oval Office meeting and press conference.[42] This meeting covered several controversial issues including South African land reform policies and farm attacks.[43] During the meeting, President Trump raised concerns raised by US officials and advocacy groups about South Africa's land expropriation policies. President Ramaphosa responded by reaffirming South Africa's commitment to a constitutional and lawful process of land reform aimed at addressing historical inequalities, while ensuring food security and protecting property rights.[44][45]
On April 5, 2025, Secretary of State Rubio and Deputy Secretary of StateChristopher Landau announced that the United States would be revoking the visas of all South Sudanese citizens in the United States (including those with temporary protected status) and barring entry to all South Sudanese citizens following a bilateral dispute over the repatriation of a South Sudanese citizen. Rubio stated that the US government would consider reviewing these actions in return for securing South Sudanese cooperation in accepting repatriated nationals.[46][47]
President Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei, February 2025
On November 14, 2024, Argentine president Javier Milei headed to Florida to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.[48] He was the first foreign head of state to travel to the United States after Trump's victory and to meet the president-elect.[49] Milei, an economist known for his advocacy of free-market policies and limited government, had previously expressed support for Donald Trump and his political positions, wanting to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Argentina and the Western world. In a call following the election results, Trump called Milei his "favorite president" in response according to reports.[49] The president of Argentina gave a speech at a CPAC summit in Miami.[50] Milei also met with Department of Government Efficiency planned-directors Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to advise them on their goal to "dismantle bureaucracy", cut government spending and reorganize the federal personnel.[49][51]
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was reportedly invited to attend the inauguration; however, Brazil's Supreme Court barred him from traveling to the United States due to ongoing legal investigations and the seizure of his passport. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled that Bolsonaro did not hold an official position and posed a potential flight risk. Bolsonaro had filed an appeal in an attempt to attend the event, which was denied.[52][53]
Members of the Government of Brazil have taken actions that interfere with the economy of the United States, infringe the free expression rights of United States persons, violate human rights, and undermine the interest the United States has in protecting its citizens and companies. Members of the Government of Brazil are also politically persecuting a former President of Brazil, which is contributing to the deliberate breakdown in the rule of law in Brazil, to politically motivated intimidation in that country, and to human rights abuses.[55]
Trump with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, May 2025
On March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, excluding energy products, which were subjected to a 10% tariff.[56] According to the administration, the goal was to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and encourage stronger Canadian border enforcement, particularly regarding illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.[57] Supporters of the policy also cited high Canadian tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods—such as tariffs of up to 240% on dairy and 150% on poultry and eggs—as evidence of a trade imbalance.[57] In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods, with an additional $125 billion in tariffs planned for the following weeks.[58] Trudeau criticized the U.S. tariffs as unjustified and economically damaging, encouraging Canadians to support domestic products and services.[59] On March6, Trump delayed tariffs on goods compliant with the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA)—accounting for approximately 38 percent of imports from Canada and 50 percent of imports from Mexico.[60] Although the exemption was expected to end on April 2, the U.S. said it would continue indefinitely.[61]
President Trump has referred to Canada as a "state" and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the "Governor" since meeting with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago in late November 2024.[62] In a January press conference, Trump said he was considering annexing Canada by economic force.[63] Trump has threatened and paused tariffs on Canadian goods repeatedly since taking office, and suggested Canada could avoid tariffs by becoming the 51st U.S. state, a notion he has reiterated on multiple occasions. Initially dismissed as jest, these comments have since been taken seriously by Canadian officials. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concerns that Trump's annexation ambitions might be driven by a desire to access Canada's mineral resources, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Canadian sovereignty.[64][65] In additional, Trump mentioned in official diplomatic communication that he wants to challenge the Treaty of 1908 that established the Canada–United States border.[66]
While meeting with Trudeau's successor Mark Carney on May 6, 2025, he suggested that annexation would improve healthcare services and lower taxes paid by Canadians and allow them to be protected by the United States Armed Forces, while also politically unifying North America, but acknowledged that “it takes two to tango” and said in his meeting with Carney that it wouldn't be discussed unless brought up by Carney,[67] though he didn't rule out the possibility of Canada being part of the United States in the future, but only if it were feasible and mutually beneficial.[68] The status concerning the issue of Canada becoming the 51st state was reiterated by U.S. ambassadorPete Hoekstra in an interview with the National Post on May 8, 2025. He explained that the issue was settled and wouldn't be mentioned further, and though it would occasionally be brought by Trump himself, it would only be addressed as an issue if Carney decided to discuss it as such.[69]
Decoupling Canada–American ties
In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy, characterized by protectionist measures and strained alliances, led Canada to reassess its defense partnerships. In response to trade disputes and perceived threats to sovereignty, Prime Minister Mark Carney initiated discussions with the European Union to reduce reliance on U.S. military equipment. These talks included exploring the procurement of European-made fighter jets, such as Sweden's Saab Gripen, with proposals for domestic assembly in Canada. Defense Minister Bill Blair was tasked with reviewing the existing contract for 88 American F-35 fighter jets, considering alternatives that could bolster Canada's domestic defense industry and diversify its international partnerships. This strategic pivot reflects Canada's broader effort to assert autonomy and strengthen ties with European allies amid uncertainties in traditional North American defense relationships.[70]
During Trump's second administration, U.S. foreign policy in Latin America is focused on countering China's influence in the region, particularly in the context of strategic trade infrastructure. A notable example is the emphasis placed on strengthening ties with Chile, specifically through potential investments in the modernization of the Port of San Antonio in Valparaíso. This initiative was framed as a strategic counterbalance to the Chinese-financed megaproject at the Port of Chancay in Peru.[71] U.S. investors, facilitated by the Development Finance Corporation, were set to visit Chile to assess opportunities for technological and infrastructural development. Meanwhile, reports suggested that the Trump administration considered imposing tariffs of up to 60% on goods exported from the Chancay port, reflecting its broader strategy to support allies like Chile in the face of China's expanding footprint in Latin America. These developments occurred amidst high-level diplomatic engagements between Chilean and U.S. officials, underscoring shared interests in enhancing Pacific trade networks.[72]
In January 2025, a dispute arose between Colombia and the United States after Colombian president Gustavo Petro refused to allow two unannounced U.S. military aircraft carrying deported Colombian nationals to land. Each flight seeking to land was carrying approximately 80 Colombian deportees. Previously, scheduled commercial airlines were used routinely to deliver deported Colombian nationals to Colombia and with arrangements and preparations in advance. In response, President Trump imposed emergency 25% tariffs on all Colombian imports, implemented travel bans and visa revocations for Colombian government officials, and implemented enhanced customs and border protection inspections for all Colombian nationals and cargo from Colombia. According to CNN, this was the first instance of "Trump using economic pressure to force other nations to fall in line with his mass deportation plans since he took office."[78][79] Trump said he would double the tariffs to 50% in one week if Petro did not reverse his decision.[80] The government did not go ahead with these plans after Colombia agreed to accept deported migrants without restrictions.[81] Diplomats from both countries reached a deal which has seen Colombia send its own air force planes to collect the migrants, a process that Petro said ensured they were treated "with dignity" and without being handcuffed.[82][83] The U.S. government did make concessions to Colombia by agreeing not to handcuff and photograph the deportees, and dispatching Homeland Security staffers, instead of military officers, as flight escorts.[84]
In one of his first acts of his second administration, President Trump reinstated Cuba as a state sponsors of terrorism, reversing an action made by President Biden in the weeks prior in exchange for political prisoners. He also restored a list of "restricted entities" established during his first administration. First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel referred to the moves as "an act of arrogance and disregard for truth."[85][86]
On March 4, 2025, the United States imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican goods.[60] Part of these tariffs are lifted for a month on March 6 after a telephone conversation between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.[89] Although the exemption was expected to end on April 2, the U.S. said it would continue indefinitely.[61]
Trump said the tariffs are intended to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico, force the country to secure its border with the U.S. against illegal immigration and the smuggling of fentanyl, and encourage domestic manufacturing in the United States.[90] The opioid epidemic in the United States is largely fueled by drugs smuggled from Mexico.[91] In 2021 and 2022, during the worst years of the opioid epidemic, over 100,000 people in the U.S. died annually from drug overdoses.[92]
Trump launched a process to designate Mexican drug cartels and other criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations.[92] He also threatened U.S. military intervention against cartels in Mexico.[92] During the first months of 2025, Mexico stepped up its fight against narcotraffic and immigration following Trump's statements on the subject. In particular, Mexico handed over 29 major cartel prisoners to US authorities in February 2025.[89]
On March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump reiterated his intention to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal, alleging that Panama had violated the longstanding neutrality agreement governing its operation.
In response, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino dismissed the remarks as false and offensive to Panama's sovereignty.
On the same day, Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings announced plans to sell its operational rights to the Balboa and Cristóbal ports, located at either end of the Panama Canal, to a consortium led by the American investment firm BlackRock.[89]
On March 3, 2025, the Trump administration gave Chevron Corporation 30 days to halt its activities in Venezuela. While the company produces 1/4 of the country's oil, Foreign Policy estimates that its departure from Venezuela will result in a 10% drop in GDP over the next 5 years.[89]
In July 2025, as part of a prisoner exchange with Venezuela, Trump secured the release of Dahud Hanid Ortíz, who was convicted of triple homicide for killing three people at a law firm in Spain in connection with a marital dispute. Marco Rubio claimed Ortíz and nine other convicts were "wrongfully detained." The decision sparked outrage in Spain and Germany, where authorities condemned the move as a grave miscarriage of justice.[93][94][95]
Trump signs the agreements, alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in the State Dining Room, August 8, 2025
On August 8, 2025, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a peace agreement in a ceremony hosted by President Trump at the White House,[96] ending an over 35-year conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.[97] The agreement also granted the United States exclusive development rights for the corridor, which will be operated under Armenian law and subleased to a consortium—moves analysts say could “unlock the region” and pave the way for Azerbaijan’s possible entry into the Abraham Accords.[98][99]
President Trump, standing next to C. C. Wei, announced that TSMC is set to invest in the U.S.
Just before Trump's second inauguration, Vice President Vance and ally Elon Musk each held separate meetings with China's vice president Han Zheng, who was in Washington attending the event as China's paramount leaderXi Jinping's special representative.[100] Han's presence at the event was seen by commentators as representative of Xi's interest in strengthening China–United States relations under Trump's tenure.[101][102]
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump advocated for a stringent stance against China, proposing tariffs as high as 60% on Chinese goods.[105] However, upon assuming office, he implemented a more modest 10% tariff on Chinese imports, while imposing tariffs on goods from traditional allies such as Canada and Mexico.[106] Critics argue that this approach has inadvertently facilitated China's expanding influence in Europe and the Global South. By alienating key U.S. allies through aggressive trade policies, the administration has created opportunities for China to strengthen its economic and diplomatic ties in these regions, potentially at the expense of U.S. strategic interests.[107]
In early 2025, the China–United States trade war escalated, with a series of increasing tariffs leading to the US imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese goods and China imposing a 125% tariff on American goods.[108] Trump said the tariffs are intended to pressure China to do more to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US.[109]
In February 2025, the US State Department website was changed to state that China was trying to "subvert" international organizations and install Chinese Communist Party members in leadership positions. A spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of China responded that these changes were inaccurate and that they "deplore" the changes.[111]
On February 26, 2025, China accused Taiwan of using its semiconductor sector to gain political favor from the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Taiwan for its dominance in the U.S. semiconductor industry. Taiwan's government responded by emphasizing its commitment to preserving its position as a leader in semiconductor technology.[112]
In March 2025, foreign ministers from Japan, China, and South Korea convened in Tokyo to enhance regional cooperation amid escalating global uncertainty. U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy, characterized by unilateralism and protectionist trade measures, has strained traditional alliances and prompted East Asian nations to seek closer collaboration among themselves. The meeting addressed shared challenges such as demographic decline, environmental concerns, and economic coordination. However, significant divisions persist, particularly regarding China's support for Russia and North Korea, and its broader regional assertiveness.[113]
On April 2, 2025, Trump announced a "reciprocal tariff" of 32% on Taiwanese goods,[114] but excluded semiconductor products, the island's primary exports.[115] Trump had previously criticized Taiwan for gaining an unfair dominance in the semiconductor industry and not spending enough on its own defense.[115]
In May 2025, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the U.S. government would "aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or studying in critical fields". He also announced the U.S. would increase scrutiny of all future visa applications from China and Hong Kong.[116]
On June 5, 2025, Trump made a telephone call to Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the first time since taking second presidency.[117]
In June 2025, the United States condemned the planned repression of Independence Day celebrations in Hong Kong.[118]
In July 2025, the Trump administration denied Taiwan President Lai Ching-te permission to stop in New York during a planned visit to Central America after the PRC objected to the US stopover.[120]
Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, February 2025
The second presidency of Trump saw a deterioration of relations between Japan and the United States.[121] Trump in March 2025 lamented that Japan is making "a fortune with [the United States] economically" while the U.S.–Japan Security Treaty requires the United States to "protect" Japan, but Japan does not have to "protect" the United States, so Trump "asked who makes these deals?"[122] Also that month, Trump said that he "called the leaders of Japan to say you can't continue to reduce and break down your currency ... it's unfair ... And the way you solve it very easily is with tariffs."[123]
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby pushed for Japan to increase its military spending to 3.5% of its GDP, which led Japan to cancel a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Washington, D.C.[124] Trump announced significant tariff rates against Japan, calling the country "spoiled". In response, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan needs "to make more efforts to become less dependent on the US".[121]
Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, August 2025
Trump in March 2025 said, without providing evidence, that "South Korea's average tariff [on the United States] is four times higher" than the United States' average tariff on South Korea, while also highlighting that the United States "give so much help militarily and in so many other ways to South Korea".[125]
Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, February 2025
Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have pledged to deepen the U.S.-India partnership.[126] On February 13, 2025, Modi became the fourth world leader to visit Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Modi praised the MAGA movement and said that "Borrowing an expression from the US, our vision for a developed India is to 'Make India Great Again', or MIGA. When America and India work together, when it's MAGA plus MIGA, it becomes mega – a mega partnership for prosperity."[127]
In July 2025, Trump criticized India over its continued oil trade with Russia, despite ongoing Western sanctions.[132] Trump announced that a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods would go into effect on August 1 and warned of an additional, unspecified penalty in response to India's continued purchases of Russian military equipment and energy. These remarks and policy announcements were seen as a reaction to India's ongoing oil imports from Russia, which Trump suggested were indirectly funding the war in Ukraine.[132]
The Trump administration has moved to bolster the United States' alliance with the Philippines, framing it as vital to a "free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific" amid rising Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea.[135] In February 2025, the administration exempted the Philippines from a broader freeze on foreign aid, releasing about $336 million to modernize the Philippine armed forces and coast guard.[136] During a meeting with Philippine President Bongbong Marcos on July 21, 2025, Defense Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed that the countries' 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty "extends to armed attacks" on Philippine forces "anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea".[135] Hegseth highlighted deepening military cooperation – including new U.S. missile deployments and expanded joint military exercises in the Philippines – aimed at forging a "strong shield of real deterrence for peace" in the region.[137] On July 22, 2025, following a meeting with Marcos at the White House, Trump announced U.S. plans to establish a joint ammunition manufacturing hub at Subic Bay, a former American naval base in the Philippines. Trump said the project would ensure that allies would have "more ammunition than any country has ever had", including various missile systems. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law earlier that month, directs the Departments of Defense and State to study the facility's feasibility, citing the absence of a forward-staged production site in the Indo-Pacific.[138]
The administration has opposed international inquiries into the Philippine government's conduct. After the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened a case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte over killings in his anti-drug campaign, the State Department imposed sanctions on four ICC judges (including one handling Duterte's case), and Secretary of State Rubio denounced the court's actions as "illegitimate and baseless" attempts to target the U.S. or its allies.[139]
During his election campaign, Trump said that European allies "treat us actually worse than our so-called enemies". He added, "We protect them and then they screw us on trade. We're not going to let it happen anymore". He vowed to impose tariffs on trade partners including those in Europe, which economists said could spark trade wars.[140]
Trump said he would not defend NATO allies in Europe if they did not meet the alliance's target of spending 2% of GDP on defense, and instead he would "encourage" Russia to "do whatever the hell they want".[141][142][143]
On February 14, 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance addressed the Munich Security Conference, asserting that Europe's primary threats are internal, citing perceived erosions in free speech and democratic values. He criticized European leaders for suppressing dissenting opinions and ignoring public concerns on issues like immigration. Vance highlighted incidents such as the annulment of Romania's presidential election due to alleged foreign interference and legal actions against individuals in the UK and Sweden for expressing conservative views as evidence of this trend. He also challenged Germany's political isolation of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, advocating for greater political inclusivity. European officials, including German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, rebuffed Vance's remarks, deeming them unacceptable and misaligned with the conference's focus on external security threats like Russia and China. The speech intensified transatlantic tensions, prompting discussions among European leaders about reducing reliance on U.S. support.[144]
During the 2020s, there was a significant shift in European defense policy, particularly accelerating in 2025 due to geopolitical policy shifts during Donald Trump's second presidency. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced during the 61st Munich Security Conference that alliance members would need to increase their military spending to "considerably more than 3 percent" of their national GDP. This statement came in response to calls from the Trump administration for members to reach 5% of GDP in defense expenditure.[145] On March 2, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted the 2025 London Summit on Ukraine with 18 world leaders, in order to coordinate support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The summit followed a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House in Washington on February 28, 2025.[146] On March 4, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed ReArm Europe, a five-point plan to boost defense spending by up to €800 billion, including €150 billion in loans to EU member states. This came a day after Trump halted all military aid to Ukraine.[147]
Secretary Marco Rubio meets with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen in Brussels, Belgium, April 3, 2025
In January 2025, President Trump stated that he wished to buy Greenland from Denmark, or, take Greenland by force for national security purposes.[63] During his March 4 address to Congress, Trump vowed the United States would gain control over Greenland "one way or another."[148] A subsequent public opinion poll showed that 85% of Greenlanders were opposed to joining the US.[149][150] Also in March 2025, amid rocketing wholesale egg prices in the United States due to bird flu reducing egg supply, the Trump administration asked the Danish Egg Association to check how many eggs they could export to the United States.[151]
In a first for a sitting American vice president, JD Vance in March 2025 visited Greenland.[152] There, Vance said regarding Trump: "We can't just ignore the president's desires" for the United States to acquire Greenland, while warning that Greenland faced the "encroachment of powerful countries" China and Russia "as they expand their ambitions".[152][153] In a "message to Denmark", Vance declared, "you have not done a good job", accusing Denmark of having "underinvested in the security architecture" and "people of Greenland".[152]
A month after the election, Trump traveled to Paris to attend the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris on December 7, five years after it was severely damaged by a fire. It was his first foreign trip as president-elect since his second electoral victory. He met with a number of world leaders ahead of the ceremony, including French president Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Prince William of the United Kingdom.[157]
In March 2025, Trump said that past American leaders "didn't have a clue what was happening and all of a sudden Ireland has our pharmaceutical companies", and "the United States shouldn't have let it happen"; the high number of American pharmaceutical companies based in Ireland were due to Irish tax policies.[163]
Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, April 2025
In April 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the White House for talks with Trump, focusing on strengthening U.S.–Italy relations, trade, and broader transatlantic cooperation.[164][165] The meeting highlighted the alignment between the two leaders on a range of political issues.[166] Meloni, the only European leader to attend Trump's January 2025 inauguration,[167] sought to position herself as a key interlocutor between the United States and the European Union, though her close alignment with Trump drew concern from some European officials.[168][169]
In April 2025, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg visited Trump at the White House to discuss the war in Ukraine, trade relations, and Arctic cooperation.[170][171]
Trump and Polish President Andrzej Duda, February 2025
On February 22, 2025, Polish president Andrzej Duda met with Donald Trump as the first European head of state during Trump's 2nd term.[172] On February 28 during briefing in the Oval Office Trump stated: "I am very committed to Poland. I think Poland has really risen to the occasion and done a great job for NATO. As you know, they paid more than they had to. They are one of the best groups of people I have ever met".[173]
On March 14, 2025, Portugal's Defense Minister Nuno Melo stated that the country may opt for European jets over U.S. F-35s, citing concerns over President Donald Trump's unpredictable NATO stance and perceived pro-Russia shift.[174]
Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, February 2025
In November 2024, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his congratulations to Trump on a phone call after he won the 2024 US presidential election, along with other world leaders, saying "I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come."[175]
Trump held a meeting with Starmer at the White House in February 2025, where Trump accepted King Charles III's request for Trump to go on a state visit to the UK.[176][177] Starmer acknowledged Trump's historical ties and affection for the UK, saying that "The United Kingdom and United States will work together to ensure the success of both our countries and deliver for people on both sides of the Atlantic."[178]
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 20, 2025 | Institute for the Study of War
In January 2025, the Russo-Ukrainian War remains a protracted and attritional conflict, with frontlines largely static despite ongoing offensives. Russia maintains operational momentum, making incremental gains in the Donbas and southern Ukraine, but faces heavy losses in manpower and equipment. Ukraine, while resilient, faces growing logistical challenges, relying on dwindling Western military aid and precision strikes to counter Russian assaults. The war has evolved into high-intensity trench warfare, marked by drone technology, artillery duels, and attritional urban combat.[179][180][181][182][183]
There is a growing number of desertions in both the Ukrainian and Russian armed forces.[184][185] Ukraine's economy continues to function, sustained by foreign financial aid, while Russia's wartime economy remains stable despite international sanctions. Morale remains high among Ukrainian forces, though exhaustion is evident, while reports suggest growing Russian discontent among mobilized troops. The global impact of the war intensifies, with European nations increasing defense spending and China, Iran, and North Korea providing indirect support to Russia. With NATO stockpiles under strain and U.S. policy uncertain under the new Trump administration, the war's trajectory remains unclear. The Biden administration's policy of sustained military aid has ended, raising concerns over potential negotiations that could favor Moscow and shift the balance of power in Europe.[179][180][181][182][183]
Initial actions
Ukrainian and US delegations meet at the 2025 Munich Security Conference.
On the Russo-Ukrainian War, Trump vowed that even before he was inaugurated, he would negotiate an end to the war in a day.[186] He also vowed to stop the "endless flow of American treasure to Ukraine", and make Europeans reimburse the U.S. the cost of rebuilding its old stockpiles.[187] However, critics have pointed out that most of the money set aside for Ukraine actually goes to American companies, factories and workers who make weapons and military equipment.[188][189][190]
Retired lieutenant general Keith Kellogg and Frederick H. Fleitz, who both served in Trump's National Security Council staff, had presented Trump with a detailed peace plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The plan aims to force the two sides into peace talks and a ceasefire based on the current frontlines. If Ukraine refused to enter peace talks, weapons supplies would be stopped; if Russia refused peace talks, weapons supplies to Ukraine would be increased.[191]
Following his victory, Trump warned that he would impose high tariffs and further sanctions on Russia if Vladimir Putin did not make a "deal" to end the war against Ukraine.[192] Trump said he was "not looking to hurt Russia" and had "always had a very good relationship with President Putin," for whom he has expressed admiration.[192]
Pete Hegseth at the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters, February 12, 2025
Trump's presidency marked a reversal of Biden's policy towards Ukraine and the Russian invasion. On February 12, 2025, at the first meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group after Trump was inaugurated, new US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders was "an unrealistic objective" and that attempting to regain all territory "will only prolong the war". He said that Ukraine must have "robust security guarantees", but that the "United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement". The US expects Europe to provide more financial and military assistance for Ukraine, while the US concentrates on its own security. Hegseth said that no US troops would be deployed as peacekeepers to Ukraine.[193][194]
Later that day Trump said he held a "highly productive phone call" with Russian President Putin agreed to "have our respective teams start negotiations immediately". They also agreed to visit each other's countries.[195] Trump also held a phone call with president Zelenskyy, who said: "Together with the US, we are charting our next steps to stop Russian aggression and ensure a lasting, reliable peace".[195]
Ukraine and its European allies were alarmed by Trump unilaterally opening negotiations with Putin and apparently giving concessions to Russia.[196] Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would not accept an agreement made without it, while Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said: "Nothing can be discussed on Ukraine without Ukraine".[196]John Bolton, Donald Trump's national security adviser during his first presidency, said: "Trump has effectively surrendered to Putin before the negotiations have even begun ... The positions that Defense Secretary Hegseth announced ... constitute terms of a settlement that could have been written in the Kremlin".[197]
The following day, Hegseth seemed to backtrack on his remarks and said that "everything is on the table" for negotiations.[198] On February 16, Marco Rubio stated that Ukraine and Europe would be part of any "real negotiations" to end the war.[199] Trump said on the same day that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy "will be involved" in peace negotiations.[200]
U.S., Saudi, and Russian officials meeting in Riyadh, February 18, 2025
According to Rubio, Trump wanted to know if Russia is serious about ending the war, and "the only way is to test them, to basically engage them and say, 'Okay, are you serious about ending the war? And if so, what are your demands? Are your public demands and your private demands different?'"[203]
On February 27, 2025, Trump extended a series of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine for one year.[204]
Proposed Ukrainian minerals deal
It was reported on February 17, 2025, that the Trump administration had asked for the US to be given ownership of half of Ukraine's mineral and oil resources, as "payment" for US support.[205] Several days earlier, Trump had said:
"They [Ukraine] may make a deal. They may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday. But I want this money back".[206]
General terms and conditions of the agreement:[207]
Ukraine has to give up 50% of its revenues from natural resources, including minerals, gas, oil, as well as revenues from ports, power plants and other infrastructure. The revenues should be directed to a fund in which the United States has 100% ownership. Ukraine should make contributions to the fund until it reaches $500 billion. The United States will have the right to receive revenues even from territories that Ukraine will liberate from Russian occupation in the future.
The agreement does not provide any security guarantees for Ukraine and military support for Ukraine, and aims only to return the non-refundable aid that Ukraine received from the United States during the Russian invasion. At the same time, the United States has the right to reinvest part of the proceeds in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction if it is profitable for the United States.
The Ukrainians did not sign the agreement. Although Zelenskyy had offered the US a stake in Ukraine's resources for continued support, he reportedly rejected the proposal.[205][208] Zelenskyy said he was prepared to work on a "serious document" if it contained security guarantees, but said he could not "sell Ukraine away".[209] According to The Telegraph, "Trump's demands would amount to a higher share of Ukrainian GDP than reparations imposed on Germany at the Versailles Treaty".[206] On February 20, national security adviser Mike Waltz said that "Trump is obviously very frustrated" with Zelenskyy for not being "willing to take this opportunity that we have offered" with the minerals deal.[210]
On February 23, 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference at the forum "Ukraine. Year 2025" forum, thanked the United States for its assistance and appreciated Trump's interest in the investment agreement, but expressed doubts about its benefits for Ukraine and its content:
First, let's look at the figure [$500 billion]. I know that Ukraine received $100 billion [from the US]. And this is a fact. That's why I'm not going to recognize $500 billion, no matter what anyone says. With all due respect to my partners, I am standing firm because this is the true situation and we [Ukrainians] are absolutely right. Secondly, I am not ready to fix even $100 billion [in the agreement], because we should not recognize the grant [non-refundable aid] as a debt. Whether Trump likes it or not... A grant is not a debt.[211][212]
The agreement was scheduled to be signed at 1pm (UTC−5) February 28, 2025, during a meeting at the White House, but after Trump and Vance got in a heated exchange with Zelensky on live television, the agreement was canceled.[213]
American and European politicians point out that Trump lost the most lucrative deal of his life, which promised to bring the United States hundreds of billions of dollars, Zelenskyy lost a strategic security partner, and only Putin was the winner in this situation.[214][215]
Attacks on Ukraine's leadership
On February 18, 2025, following the Riyadh meeting and Ukraine's rejection of the resources agreement, Trump seemingly blamed Ukraine for the Russian invasion. He said "You should have never started it. You could have made a deal".[216][217] He said that Ukraine should have new presidential elections, falsely claiming that president Zelenskyy's approval ratings were only 4%. This echoed Kremlin claims that the Ukrainian leader was illegitimate.[216][217] Zelenskyy replied that Trump was living in a Russian "disinformation bubble".[216][209] Recent polls found that 57% of Ukrainians trusted Zelenskyy.[209] The head of Ukraine's digital affairs ministry argued that Zelenskyy's ratings were actually 4–5% higher than Trump's.[209] Ukraine's constitution forbids elections during martial law; all parties in Ukraine's parliament want to put off elections until after the war;[217] and polls show that few Ukrainians want an election in the midst of an invasion.[217] On February 19, 2025, Trump wrote on social media that Zelenskyy was a "Dictator without Elections".[218] Vice-president Vance warned Zelenskyy not to be "badmouthing" Trump.[219] On February 21, Trump said that Zelenskyy had been negotiating "with no cards" regarding the Russia-Ukraine war "for three years, and nothing got done", so Trump said of Zelenskyy: "I don't think he's very important to be at meetings" regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.[220]
Trump's February 19 comments were criticized by many US allies.[219] British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Zelenskyy is Ukraine's "democratically elected leader" and it is "perfectly reasonable" for Ukraine to "suspend elections during wartime as the UK did during World War Two".[221] French President Emmanuel Macron said that Zelenskyy is Ukraine's "democratically elected leader." The French president added that this was "not the case for Vladimir Putin, who has been killing his opponents and manipulating his elections for a long time."[222] German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Trump's comments "false and dangerous".[219] Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles replied that "the aggressor here is Russia".[219] UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric further pointed out that Trump's comments were incorrect.[219] Several of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress also disagreed that Zelenskyy was a dictator or that Ukraine bore responsibility for Russia's invasion.[219] Another Trump ally, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, disagreed with Trump's statements.[223]
On February 21, Trump said that Russia attacked Ukraine, but blamed Zelenskyy and Biden for failing to prevent that.[224] He further said that Zelenskyy and Putin should negotiate to prevent further killings of young soldiers and the deaths of "millions" of people.[225]
President Trump and Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office, February 28, 2025
On February 28, 2025, Trump and Zelenskyy held a highly contentious, televised bilateral meeting in the Oval Office.[226] The meeting abruptly ended without a clear resolution and without the expected signing of an agreement concerning Ukraine's rare earth minerals.[227][228] Trump and Vance repeatedly criticized, made accusations, and raised their voices at Zelenskyy during the televised meeting. The incident marked the first time in U.S. history that a sitting president verbally attacked a visiting head of state on camera in such a manner.[229][230]
Leading up to the meeting, there were tensions between the Trump administration, which wanted Ukraine to make concessions to Russia in order to swiftly end the war, and Zelenskyy's government, which distrusted Russia's commitment to abide by its agreements without U.S. security guarantee of Ukraine.[231][232][233]
The meeting was widely characterized by its confrontational and antagonistic tone, drawing significant criticism from the media and the international community. Nearly all U.S. allies, along with other global figures, swiftly voiced their support for Zelenskyy following the confrontation,[234][235] with many issuing statements that appeared to rebuke Trump's confrontational approach.[236] In contrast, Russian officials praised the outcome of the meeting and directed criticism toward Zelenskyy.[237] In the U.S., reactions were divided along partisan lines – members of Trump's party, the Republican Party, largely commended his conduct, while members of the Democratic Party widely condemned it.[238][239] The meeting ended with Zelenskyy being asked to leave and a severance of negotiations.[240] Three days after the meeting, the Trump administration suspended all military aid to Ukraine.[241]
Suspension of U.S. support to Ukraine
On March 3, 2025, following the contentious February 28 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump ordered an indefinite pause on all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, citing dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy's commitment to peace negotiations with Russia. The decision impacts over $1 billion in arms and ammunition that had been slated for delivery to Ukraine. The White House stated that the pause was necessary to ensure that U.S. assistance was "contributing to a solution" rather than prolonging the conflict.[242] Critics argue it weakens Ukraine's defense, emboldens Russia, strains U.S. alliances, and worsens the humanitarian crisis.[243]
On March 3, 2025, an anonymous but reportedly credible U.S. official claimed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a pause on offensive cyberoperations against Russia by U.S. Cyber Command, scaling back efforts to counter digital threats from a key adversary. The decision, according to the U.S. official, does not impact cyberoperations by the CIA or the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency but follows other Trump administration rollbacks on cyber-related efforts at the FBI and other agencies.[244] However, the Pentagon has since denied these claims, stating that no such order was given:
TO BE CLEAR: @SecDef has neither canceled nor delayed any cyber operations directed against malicious Russian targets and there has been no stand-down order whatsoever from that priority.
In response to the support and aid suspension, Zelenskyy expressed regret over the White House meeting, calling it "regrettable" and stating that it "did not go the way it was supposed to." He reaffirmed Ukraine's willingness to negotiate for peace and emphasized his desire for "constructive cooperation" with the United States. Zelenskyy also reiterated that Ukraine remains ready to sign a minerals deal with the U.S. "at any time and in any convenient format." The proposed deal would allocate half of all revenues from Ukraine's natural resources to a joint investment fund with the U.S., which Zelenskyy hoped would strengthen security guarantees and economic support for Ukraine.[245]
On March 5, 2025, the U.S. paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, increasing pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to negotiate peace with Russia. CIA Director John Ratcliffe suggested the move was temporary, stating, "the pause I think will go away." The decision, following a halt in U.S. military aid, sparked criticism, warning it would cost Ukrainian lives.[246]
U.S. resumes aid to Ukraine
U.S., Saudi, and Ukrainian officials meeting in Jeddah, March 11, 2025
On March 11, 2025, Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, pending Moscow's acceptance. The announcement followed negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where U.S. and Ukrainian officials reaffirmed their commitment to diplomacy. As part of the agreement, the Trump administration lifted its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that Russia would accept the ceasefire, stating, "The ball is now in their court." Ukrainian officials stressed the need for security guarantees to prevent future Russian invasions, warning that a temporary truce could allow Russia to reinforce its military position. Russian forces continue to occupy nearly one-fifth of Ukraine's territory.[247][248]
In mid-March 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed a ceasefire would favor Ukraine and demanded Ukrainian forces in Kursk to surrender or die,[249] then rejected an unconditional ceasefire after a call with President Trump, stalling negotiations.[250]
In March 2025, the United States brokered a limited truce between Russia and Ukraine, whereby they would halt strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days starting March 18. Framed by the Trump administration as a pragmatic step to reduce escalation, critics argue it benefits Putin by protecting his oil refineries from Ukrainian drone attacks at a moment when those strikes are doing real damage. Analysts believed Putin would use the pause to buy time, betting that the US will gradually offer him more and more concessions. He likely sees Ukraine's Biden-era stockpiles running low and expects Trump will not replenish them at the same level, weakening Ukraine's long-term ability to fight.[251]
On April 24, 2025, Trump criticized Russia's missile and drone attack on Kyiv and Putin's determination to continue the war, posting on social media: "Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!"[252]
Trump repeatedly threatened to impose further sanctions on Russia if it did not stop attacking Ukraine. Putin repeatedly ignored the warnings, and Trump did not follow through on them.[253][254]
On May 8, 2025, Trump warned that the U.S. would impose further sanctions on Russia if it did not agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.[255] Russia rejected the ceasefire and continued to attack Ukraine.[256]
Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy were due to hold direct negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, and Trump suggested he would also be there. However, Putin did not attend. Trump excused Putin's absence, saying he believes the only reason Putin did not attend was because he was not there, and said peace talks are only possible if he and Putin meet.[254]
On May 25, after Russia launched its biggest drone attack of the war and killed 13 people, Trump wrote on social media: "I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!". Trump added "I've always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that's proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!". Trump also said of Zelenskyy, "Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don't like it, and it better stop". He again warned of sanctions against Russia. The Kremlin described Trump's posts as "emotional".[257]
On May 28, Trump said he would know within two weeks whether Putin was serious about ending the war or was just "tapping us along".[258][259] In May, June and July, Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine increased dramatically.[260]
In June 2025, Trump rejected Putin's offer to mediate a ceasefire in the Iran–Israel war,[261] telling him to focus on mediating a ceasefire in the Russo-Ukrainian War.[262] In July 2025, Trump approved more weapons for Ukraine.[263]
On July 14, Trump announced a major policy reversal by agreeing to send Patriot air‑defense missile systems to Ukraine, financed and reimbursed by NATO and EU allies. He also threatened to impose 100% tariffs and secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian oil if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire within 50 days.[264][265] On July 28, Trump announced that the deadline would be shortened to 10 or 12 days.[266]
When Trump's deadline arrived on August 8, instead of imposing sanctions, Trump announced that he would host Putin in Alaska on August 15.[267] Shortly before the Alaska meeting, Trump warned that there would be "severe consequences" for Russia if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. No ceasefire was announced after the summit. Trump changed his mind and agreed with Putin that no ceasefire was needed before a peace agreement.[268]
Rubio with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on February 10, 2025
In February 2025, Donald Trump proposed that the United States take over the Gaza Strip after relocating all Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan. He threatens Egypt with cutting off American aid if the country refuses his plan. In March 2025, Egypt proposed its own plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip, involving the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority. The Egyptian plan is rejected by the Trump administration.[269]
In March 2025, US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, testified that the US intelligence community, "continues to assess Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorized a nuclear weapons program".[270] In April 2025, Trump announced negotiations between the US and Iran regarding Iran's nuclear program. The White House declared that Iran had two months to secure a deal, which expired the day before Israel's strikes.[271]
Following the ceasefire Trump publicly rebuked Ali Khamenei's remarks saying Iran won the war with Israel, calling on Khamenei to "tell the truth, you got beat to hell". In addition, he warned that if Iran were to continue uranium enrichment, the U.S would strike again.[274][275]
Israeli-American billionaire Miriam Adelson supported Trump in the 2024 United States presidential election.[276] Adelson sought support from candidate Trump for Israel's annexation of the West Bank, pledging more than $100 million to Trump's campaign in exchange for U.S. recognition of Israel's sovereignty over the region.[277]
In January 2025, the Times of Israel reported that Adelson gave Trump's campaign at least $100 million in October 2024.[278]
Ceasefire achieved
In his first term, Trump was considered one of the most pro-Israel presidents of the United States.[279][280] During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump urged Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza within two months and opened the door to attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.[281] Trump warned Hamas that they would have "all hell to pay" if the war did not end before he took office in January.[282] Following the election, Trump spoke with Palestinian presidentMahmoud Abbas for the first time since 2017.[283] During their phone call, Trump expressed his desire to quickly end the war in Gaza.[284]
Trump's son-in-law and former White House senior advisor Jared Kushner is expected to play a key role in the future United States' Middle East policy as an outside presidential adviser. Being pro-Israel and having ties with several Arab leaders, Kushner previously helped to broker the Abraham Accords during Trump's first presidency.[285] Most of Trump's advisors and appointees are considered staunch supporters of the Jewish state,[286][287] including Pete Hegseth, Mike Huckabee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,[288] John Ratcliffe, Marco Rubio, Elise Stefanik, and Michael Waltz.[289] Lebanese-American businessman Massad Boulos, who was appointed as a senior advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs and has ties with Lebanese politicians, is viewed as an intermediary between Trump and Arab leaders.[290] While Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to deal with Israel, Boulos will help in negotiations with the Arab world.[291]
Gaza Ceasefire Lines January 20, 2025 | Institute for the Study of War
Days before the inauguration of the administration, a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas.[292] Trump and Biden both claimed credit for the ceasefire deal, with the former describing it as "EPIC".[293] Several media sources, including Haaretz and The Times of Israel, credited Trump and Witkoff as responsible.[294][295]
In early February 2025, after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump announced that the U.S. would “take over” and “own” the Gaza Strip, suggesting the forced relocation of Palestinians and its redevelopment. Donald Trump's Gaza Strip proposal sparked international backlash, with the UN condemning it as ethnic cleansing, Arab nations rejecting it over regional stability concerns, and human rights groups calling it a war crime. Netanyahu praised the plan.[296] Amid mounting pressure, Trump later stated that the U.S. would not enforce the takeover but would recommend it as a solution.[297]
In March 2025, Israel, with Trump administration backing, launched airstrikes on Gaza, killing over 400 and ending a ceasefire. The strikes followed a dispute over hostage releases, with Israel demanding Hamas free half of the remaining hostages before extending the truce,[298] while Hamas insisted on continuing negotiations and adhering to the original ceasefire agreement of January 2025.[299][300] The White House confirmed Israel consulted Trump beforehand, and Trump warned of severe consequences for Hamas. In response, Yemen's Houthis launched missiles at Israel, which were intercepted, while the U.S. struck Houthi targets in Yemen.[298]
On July 28, 2025, Trump admitted that people in Gaza were starving and promised that the US and its allies would set up barrier-free food centers in Gaza to assist with humanitarian aid deliveries.[301] On August 1, 2025, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visited the GHS distribution center in Gaza.[302]
In February 2025, Donald Trump proposed that the United States take over the Gaza Strip after relocating all Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt. He threatened to cut off American aid if Jordan refuses his plan.[269]
In the Syrian civil war, the Syrian oppositionlaunched an offensive against the pro-government Syrian Armed Forces in late November 2024, capturing the large cities of Aleppo and Hama. As opposition forces continued to close in on Damascus, President-elect Trump stated on December 7 that the U.S. should stay out of the conflict, stating "THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT" in a social media post.[303] Rebel groups captured Damascus the next day, December 8, as government forces surrendered and president Bashar al-Assad reportedly fled the country.[304]
On March 9, 2025, Secretary of State Rubio condemned the massacres of Syrian minorities committed by pro-government fighters during clashes in western Syria in March 2025. He further indicated that "the United States stands with Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, including its Christian, Druze, Alawite, and Kurdish communities" and that the "perpetrators of these massacres against Syria's minority communities" should be held accountable.[306]
In mid-May 2025, Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, the first time that U.S and Syrian leaders had met since a meeting was convened between Bill Clinton and Hafez al-Assad in Geneva in 2000. He announced he would remove sanctions for Syria and encouraged Syria to join the Abraham Accords. [307][308]
On June 30, 2025, Trump signed an executive order officially removing sanctions for Syria while keeping sanctions for Assad and Ba'ath officials.[309]
On June 10, 2025, Rubio criticised the Australian, New Zealand, British, Canadian and Norwegian governments for imposing joint travel bans on two alleged far-right Israeli government ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Rubio affirmed US support for Israel, condemned Hamas and called on the five governments to reverse their travel sanctions on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich.[313][314]
In early August 2025, the State Department commenced talks on research for seabed exploration and development with the Cook Islands.[316] The Cook Islands is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, which is responsible for assistance in the areas of foreign affairs, defence and natural disasters. Under this arrangement, the Cook Islands has its own international legal personality and conducts its own international relations, including establishing diplomatic relations with other countries.[317]
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump emphasized an "America First" foreign policy, advocating for reduced U.S. involvement in international organizations and a reevaluation of global commitments. Building upon his first term's actions—such as withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization—his second term is expected to further this agenda. Anticipated policies include reassessing NATO obligations, potentially imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court, and significantly reducing foreign aid through agencies like USAID. These measures reflect a continued focus on national sovereignty and a departure from traditional multilateral engagements.[318]
In January 2025, the Trump administration announced a reduction of over 90% in the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) foreign aid contracts, as part of a broader $60 billion cut to U.S. foreign assistance programs.[322] According to administration officials, the cuts were intended to reduce federal expenditures and redirect resources toward domestic priorities.[323] Supporters argued that the move would help eliminate inefficiencies and reduce the risk of mismanagement in overseas assistance programs.[324]
Critics, however, raised concerns that the reductions could weaken U.S. diplomatic engagement and global health initiatives.[325] Some analysts noted that reducing foreign assistance might create strategic openings for rival powers such as China to expand their international influence.[326]
On February 6, 2025, it was announced that Trump would sign an executive order that would sanction the International Criminal Court, that would reportedly accuse the ICC of improperly targeting US and Israeli individuals. It would include both financial sanctions and visa restrictions against an undetermined number of ICC officials and their families that would have assisted the ICC in investigating US citizens of allies.[327]
NATO
Trump with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on March 13, 2025
Trump has repeatedly stated that he, as the president, would not commit to defending NATO member states that are not spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense. Additionally, Vice President-elect JD Vance has stated that in his view NATO is a "welfare client" and that it should be "a real alliance".[328]
Trump further distanced the U.S. from multilateral consensus by rejecting the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on March 11, 2025, arguing they conflicted with U.S. sovereignty. These decisions triggered budget cuts affecting UN humanitarian efforts, notably the UN World Food Program, which subsequently reduced critical aid to Myanmar.[331]
Additionally, the administration intensified scrutiny of UN humanitarian agencies, demanding disclosures of any ties to communism, socialism, or perceived anti-American ideologies. It also required clarification regarding their involvement in diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate initiatives.[332]
In a significant shift reflecting Trump's emphasis on sovereignty and bilateral relations, the U.S. voted alongside nations such as North Korea and Syria against a February 24, 2025, UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. International criticism intensified, exemplified by Lord Soames of Fletching, who condemned Trump's alignment with Russia and questioned his commitment to traditional alliances.[333]
Human rights
Prior to the release of the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, various news outlets reported on a shift in focus in the Trump administration's coverage of human rights practices in the upcoming reports. In March 2025, Politico reported that the Trump administration would be removing sections from the reports that discussed discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, and indigenous people, as well as government corruption. Their reporting also indicated that there would be limited examples of certain rights abuses.[334] On August 6, The Washington Post reported that leaked drafts of the reports had reduced criticism of human rights abuses in El Salvador, Israel, and Russia relative to past reports, including the complete omission of references to anti-LGBTQ violence and gender-based violence. The State Department commented that the report was "restructured in a way that removes redundancies, increases report readability and is more responsive to the legislative mandate that underpins the report".[335][336] On August 8, The Intercept reported that the bureau which prepares the report had been instructed not to include discussion of free and fair elections, government corruption, harassment of human rights organizations, or non-refoulement.[337] Reporting from NPR said that instructions included removing references to gender-based violence, environmental justice, DEI, sexual violence against children, privacy interference, government corruption, restricted political participation, violence against minorities and LGBTQ+ people, and harassment of human rights organizations.[259]
On August 12, the reports were officially released with significantly less content than the previous year’s. Omissions included sections on denial of fair public trials, restrictions on free assembly, election integrity, systemic racial violence, government corruption, abuses against indigenous people, abuses based on sexual orientation, and violence against women.[259][338][339] The reports contained increased criticism for antisemitism and restrictions on freedom of expression in European countries, freedom of speech and internet freedom in Brazil, and discrimination against racial minorities in South Africa.[340]
The term "Mar-a-Lago Accord" refers to an international agreement proposed by Stephen Miran[341] before joining the Trump administration aimed at devaluing the U.S. dollar to address trade imbalances and enhance American economic competitiveness. Drawing parallels to the 1985 Plaza Accord, which successfully depreciated the dollar through coordinated efforts among major economies, the Mar-a-Lago Accord would envision a similar strategy to bolster U.S. manufacturing by making exports more competitive and reducing the trade deficit. The proposal includes measures such as restructuringU.S. debt by converting foreign-held Treasury securities into ultra-long-term bonds, thereby alleviating immediate fiscal pressures. Additionally, it suggests leveraging tariff policies to negotiate favorable currency valuations with key trading partners. While the concept has gained attention in financial circles, its feasibility remains a subject of debate among economists and policymakers trying to make sense of Trump's decisions.[342] It has been criticized as "QAnon for tariffs".[343]
Tariff implementations
Trump announces his "Liberation Day" tariffs on April 2, 2025
Under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, Trump raised steel, aluminum, and copper tariffs to 50% and introduced a 25% tariff on imported cars from most countries. New tariffs on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and other sectors are pending. On April 2, 2025, Trump invoked unprecedented powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to announce "reciprocal tariffs" on imports from all countries not subject to separate sanctions. A universal 10% tariff took effect on April 5. Additional country-specific tariffs were suspended after the 2025 stock market crash, but went into effect on August 7.[350]
Tariffs under the IEEPA also sparked a trade war with Canada and Mexico and escalated the China–United States trade war. US baseline tariffs on Chinese goods peaked at 145% and Chinese tariffs on US goods reached 125%. In a truce expiring November 9, the US reduced its tariffs to 30% while China reduced to 10%. Trump also signed an executive order to eliminate the de minimis exemption beginning August 29, 2025; previously, shipments with values below $800 were exempt from tariffs.[351]
Federal courts have ruled that the tariffs invoked under the IEEPA are illegal, including in V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. United States; however, the tariffs remain in effect while the case is appealed. The challenges do not apply to tariffs issued under Section 232 or Section 301.
The Trump administration argues that its tariffs will promote domestic manufacturing, protect national security, and substitute for income taxes. The administration views trade deficits as inherently harmful, a stance economists criticized as a flawed understanding of trade.[352][353][354][355] Although Trump has said foreign countries pay his tariffs, US tariffs are fees paid by US consumers and businesses while importing foreign goods.[356][357] The tariffs contributed to downgraded GDP growth projections by the US Federal Reserve,[358] the OECD,[359] and the World Bank.[360]
On March 4, 2025, President Trump imposed tariffs on Canada (25% on imports, 10% on energy), Mexico (25% on imports), and China (increased tariffs from 10% to 20%). These measures aimed to pressure these countries to combat the production and distribution of fentanyl, addressing the U.S. opioid crisis. This led to a sharp decline in U.S. stock markets and warnings from retailers about rising consumer prices. In retaliation, Canada imposed 25% tariffs on $155 billion of U.S. goods, China placed 10-15% tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, and Mexico announced forthcoming countermeasures. These actions have escalated global trade tensions, affecting markets and economies worldwide.[56][361]
Trump with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, May 2025
Trump has made repeated calls for Canada to become the 51st state of the United States.[363] He initially raised this concept in a December 2024 summit with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Canadian government officials; the officials initially interpreted it as a joke.[364] In January 2025, shortly before taking office, Trump continued this rhetoric, stating that he would use "economic force", but not military force, to annex Canada.[365]
Trump made repeated allusions to the topic of Canadian annexation throughout his first month in office,[363] and signed an executive order to impose blanket 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian imports. The executive order cited illegal border crossings and the fentanyl crisis as the reasons for the tariffs,[366] though Canada is responsible for about 1.5 percent of illegal migrants and less than one percent of all fentanyl seized at the border.[367] On Truth Social, Trump shared his disapproval of the U.S. trade deficit with Canada.[368] When asked by a reporter what Canada could do to avoid the tariffs, he again raised the idea of the U.S. annexing the nation as its 51st state.[369]
Canada promised more than $150 billion CAD in retaliatory tariffs,[370] and provincial responses included Ontario proposing billions of dollars in tax deferrals and payouts to stem the economic fallout from the blanket tariffs.[371] Shortly before they were set to take effect, Trump reached an agreement with Trudeau to temporarily delay his blanket tariffs for 30 days.[372] Shortly afterward, he made plans to impose steel and aluminum tariffs with significant impacts on Canada.[373]
Afterward, Trump continued to insist that Canada could become the 51st state.[374] In an interview preceding Super Bowl LIX, Fox News journalist Bret Baier asked Trump if he was serious about his proposals to make Canada a U.S. state; Trump said that he was indeed serious.[375] Trudeau was caught in a private meeting imploring private-sector leaders to take Trump's annexation threats seriously.[376]
Polling showed that the vast majority of Canadians opposed the idea of joining the U.S.[377] Canadian flag sales increased in the early months of 2025,[378] and Ontario premier Doug Ford helped popularize a "Canada Is Not For Sale" baseball cap resembling Trump's famous Make America Great Again caps.[379] In February, all 13 Canadian premiers visited Washington, D.C. together to argue for the permanent postponement of the tariff plans.[380]
In December 2024, Trump stated a further proposal for the United States to purchase Greenland from Denmark, describing ownership and control of the island as "an absolute necessity" for national security purposes. This builds upon a prior offer from Trump to buy Greenland during his first term, which the Danish Realm refused, causing him to cancel his August 2019 visit to Denmark.[381] On January 7, 2025, Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland's capital city Nuuk alongside Charlie Kirk to hand out MAGA hats.[382] At a press conference the following day, Trump refused to rule out military or economic force to take over Greenland or the Panama Canal.[383] However, he did rule out military force in taking over Canada.[383] On January 14, the Trump-affiliated Nelk Boys also visited Nuuk, handing out dollar bills to locals.[384] On January 16, the CEOs of major Danish companies Novo Nordisk, Vestas and Carlsberg among others were assembled for a crisis meeting in the Ministry of State to discuss the situation.[385][386] On the subsequent day, former chief executive Friis Arne Petersen in the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the situation as "historically unheard of", while Noa Redington, special adviser to former prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, compared the international pressure on Denmark with that during the 2005 Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy.[387]
On 10 February 2025, Representative Buddy Carter introduced a legislation which would rename Greenland to "Red, White, and Blueland" and allow US President Donald Trump to "purchase or otherwise acquire" Greenland.[388][389] Carter further stated, "When our Negotiator-in-Chief signs this historic agreement, we will proudly welcome the people of what is now Greenland to join the freest nation in history. President Trump has rightly identified this purchase as a national security priority."[390] The legislation gives the office of the Secretary of the Interior six months after its passage to ensure that federal documents are updated to reflect the name change.[389]
In March 2025, President Trump renewed calls to annex Greenland, calling it vital to U.S. and global security. Vice President JD Vance, during a visit to the Pituffik Space Base, accused Denmark of underinvesting in Greenland's defense and encouraged a shift toward U.S. partnership. Denmark's foreign minister condemned the administration's tone, while Trump said he preferred diplomacy but would not rule out military action. Greenlandic leaders rejected the annexation effort, formed a coalition government to oppose it, and protests erupted in Copenhagen. U.S. House Democrats introduced a bill to block the use of force, and NATO clarified it would not support any territorial acquisition.[391][392][393]
In March 2025, a consortium led by BlackRock acquired a majority stake in CK Hutchison Holdings' port operations, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal at the Panama Canal, for $22.8 billion. Trump praised the acquisition, suggesting it marked progress in "reclaiming the Panama Canal."[397] Panama's government, however, emphasized continued Panamanian sovereignty over the canal and its administration.[398]
In February 2025, Trump said that the United States "will take over Gaza", sending troops "if necessary".[399] During a joint press conference with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump proposed that the US government "take over" Gaza, force all two million of its Palestinian residents into neighboring countries, and develop it into a "Riviera of the Middle East".[400][401] To do so, Trump did not rule out using the American military.[402]António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, criticized the plan, labeling it "ethnic cleansing".[403] A few days after his comments about taking over Gaza, Trump stated that Israel would hand over Gaza to the US after the fighting was ended and the Gazan population was resettled elsewhere, which would negate the need for US troops in Gaza.[404] Trump's proposal to resettle Palestinians from Gaza was supported by Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, and the majority of the Israeli public.[296][405] Trump subsequently said that Palestinians resettled from Gaza as part of this plan would not be allowed to return there.[406]
On February 21, 2025, after opposition from Arab states, Trump said he would "recommend" — but was "not forcing" — his plan for the US takeover of Gaza and the resettlement of the Palestinian population.[407][408]
↑ Colvin, Jill; Gillies, Rob (January 9, 2025). "Trump, the 'America First' candidate, has a new preoccupation: Imperialism". The Associated Press. Retrieved January 28, 2025. But since winning a second term, the president-elect has been embracing a new imperialist agenda, threatening to seize the Panama Canal and Greenland — perhaps by military force — and saying he will use economic coercion to pressure Canada to become the nation's 51st state.
↑ Stephen, Collinson (January 8, 2025). "Trump's threats to Greenland, Canada and Panama explain everything about America First". CNN. Retrieved January 28, 2025. Donald Trump's imperialist designs on Greenland, Canada and Panama often sound like the ramblings of a real estate shark who equates foreign and trade policy to a hunt for new deals. But there's method in his expansionist mindset.
↑ Smolar, Piotr (January 8, 2025). "Donald Trump's rhetoric of a new American imperialism". Le Monde. Retrieved January 28, 2025. At a press conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, January 7, Trump reiterated the idea of American expansion, which he believes would validate his promise of a "golden age" made to voters.
1 2 Basu, Zachary (February 28, 2025). "Trump's new world order: Strongmen make the rules". Axios. Retrieved February 28, 2025. The international order forged after World War II is imploding, squeezed on all sides by the return of strongmen, nationalism and spheres of influence — with President Trump leading the charge.... Trump's approach is based, according to U.S. officials, in "realism".
↑ "Donald Trump has begun a mafia-like struggle for global power". The Economist. February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025. The rupture of the post-1945 order is gaining pace. In extraordinary scenes at the UN this week, America sided with Russia and North Korea against Ukraine and Europe. Germany's probable new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, warns that by June NATO may be dead. Fast approaching is a might-is-right world in which big powers cut deals and bully small ones.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
1 2 Broadwater, Luke (February 27, 2025). "With Trump, Alliances Come With Strings Attached". The New York Times. ISSN0362-4331. Retrieved February 28, 2025. But it underscores Mr. Trump's impulse to squeeze even America's traditional allies as he applies his transactional approach to foreign policy.
↑ Baker, Peter (February 25, 2025). "Under Trump, America's New Friends: Russia, North Korea and Belarus". The New York Times. ISSN0362-4331. Retrieved March 2, 2025. It would be hard to think of a starker demonstration of how radically Mr. Trump is recalibrating America's place in the world after barely a month back in office. He is positioning the United States in the camp of the globe's chief rogue states in opposition to the countries that have been America's best friends since World War II or before.
↑ "Truth Details". Truth Social. @realDonaldTrump. July 26, 2025. Just spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the War with Thailand. I am calling the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, right now, to likewise request a Ceasefire, and END to the War, which is currently raging. We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both Countries, but do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting — And I have told them so! The call with Thailand is being made momentarily. The call with Cambodia has ended, but expect to call back regarding War stoppage and Ceasefire based on what Thailand has to say. I am trying to simplify a complex situation! Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt.
↑ "Instead of sanctions, Donald Trump announces a summit with Russia". The Economist. August 9, 2025. Retrieved August 13, 2025. Donald trump had billed August 8th as deadline day for Vladimir Putin: stop fighting or face crippling sanctions. But as the day wore on, it seemed the ultimatum had come and gone without event. Then, around 6pm, the White House announced there would be a summit between Mr Trump and Mr Putin on August 15th in Alaska. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, apparently will not attend.
↑ Williams, Aime (August 6, 2025). "Donald Trump's new tariff regime deepens global trade war". Financial Times. Retrieved August 8, 2025. Donald Trump's global tariffs took effect at 12.01am in Washington on Thursday, pushing American import duties to their highest level in a century as the US president launched a new era of trade rivalry.
↑ Goldman, David (August 1, 2025). "Trump's new tariffs have no precedent in the modern era". CNN. Retrieved August 8, 2025. The new trade regime will put in place the highest tariffs America has imposed since 1933, during the Smoot-Hawley era — a tariff bill that contributed to the deepening of the Great Depression.
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