Foreign Relations and Global Engagement

Foreign Relations and Global Engagement

President Trump's "America First" approach continues to define his foreign policy:

• Aid Cuts and Trade Pivot in Africa: In a significant shift from traditional foreign aid models, President Trump has dissolved the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and is emphasizing trade over aid. During a recent meeting with West African leaders, he promised a pivot to trade, highlighting Africa's natural resources and encouraging economic partnerships rather than relying on a "charity-based foreign aid model."

• Ongoing Diplomatic Challenges: While the administration has secured a limited trade framework with the United Kingdom and a deal with Vietnam, broader trade negotiations, particularly with the European Union and India, remain challenging. The extensive and often unilateral imposition of tariffs is creating diplomatic friction globally.

• Global Confidence in Trump's Handling of Issues: A recent Pew Research Center survey indicates varied global confidence in President Trump's ability to handle international issues. While confidence is relatively high in countries like India, Israel, Kenya, and Nigeria regarding global economic problems and U.S.-China relations, it remains low in most other countries, particularly concerning climate change and the Russia-Ukraine war.