In his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump has embarked on a path that is reshaping international relations and challenging the post-World War II world order that the United States once championed. With bold, often unpredictable moves, Trump has embraced an even more radical “America First” philosophy, triggering global uncertainty and altering alliances.

An Aggressive Global Trade War

One of the hallmarks of Trump’s early days in office has been the launch of a sweeping and unprecedented global tariff war. He has targeted both traditional adversaries and long-standing allies with heavy tariffs on goods ranging from steel and automobiles to agricultural products. Trump’s justification remains consistent: he argues that decades of globalization have shortchanged American workers and industries.

While protectionism was a feature of Trump’s first term, his renewed efforts show an even deeper commitment to reshaping the global trade landscape. The consequences have been swift—nations like China, Germany, and Canada have retaliated with their own tariffs, sparking fears of a prolonged global economic slowdown.

Slashing Foreign Aid and International Commitments

Trump has also dramatically reduced U.S. foreign aid, cutting funding for development projects, health initiatives, and humanitarian relief across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

This move signals a sharp departure from decades of bipartisan U.S. policy that viewed foreign aid as a tool for global stability and influence. By pulling back, Trump has not only diminished American soft power but also created opportunities for rivals like China and Russia to expand their reach into regions traditionally under U.S. influence.

NATO Allies Criticized, Russia Embraced

Trump’s skepticism of multilateral alliances is nothing new, but his attacks on NATO allies have become even sharper during his second term. He has openly disparaged European leaders, questioning their military spending and even hinting at withdrawing U.S. support if they don’t meet defense commitments.

At the same time, Trump has echoed elements of Russia’s narrative regarding its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, raising alarm among European leaders. By minimizing Russia’s aggression and questioning NATO’s relevance, Trump risks fracturing one of the most important military alliances in history.

According to Elliott Abrams, a veteran conservative who served under Reagan, George W. Bush, and Trump himself, “Trump is much more radical now than he was eight years ago. I have been surprised.”

Fantastical Foreign Policy Proposals

In a series of controversial statements, Trump has floated ideas that once would have been unthinkable for an American president. Among them:

• Annexing Greenland: Reviving an idea from his first term, Trump has again suggested the U.S. should purchase Greenland, a self-governing territory under Denmark.

• Retaking the Panama Canal: Trump has called for reasserting American control over the Panama Canal, decades after its return to Panama, arguing it was a “strategic mistake” to give it up.

• Making Canada the 51st State: In one of his more startling proclamations, Trump mused about integrating Canada into the United States, citing economic and security advantages.

While many of these proposals are seen internationally as unserious or provocative, they underline the radical unpredictability that now defines U.S. foreign policy.

Friends Alienated, Adversaries Emboldened

Trump’s hardline policies have alienated many traditional allies. Nations that have long relied on American leadership are now pursuing more independent foreign policies, strengthening their own defense capabilities, and exploring new alliances.

Meanwhile, adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran have grown bolder, sensing hesitation and division among Western countries. Trump’s unpredictability has made it harder for allied governments to craft coherent strategies, forcing many to hedge their bets between Washington and other emerging powers.

Long-Term Consequences Beyond 2028

One of the most pressing concerns among diplomats and analysts is that the changes Trump has set in motion may be difficult to reverse, even if a more conventional president is elected in 2028.

Allies are already adapting to a world where American commitments can no longer be taken for granted. They are increasing military spending, developing independent trade agreements, and investing in new diplomatic and security partnerships outside of U.S. influence.

The global order that the United States painstakingly built after World War II—based on alliances, open markets, and the rule of law—may be undergoing a permanent transformation. Even future American leaders who seek to restore the old system could find a world that has already moved on.

A New Era of Global Uncertainty

Trump’s second term has clearly ushered in a new era of unpredictability in global affairs. His “America First” agenda prioritizes short-term national advantage over long-term global stability. While his supporters applaud his willingness to challenge established norms, critics warn that the consequences could be severe, both for the U.S. and for the world.

As the months unfold, the full impact of Trump’s second presidency will become clearer. But one thing is already evident: the international system that once centered around American leadership is facing its greatest test in generations.