As Donald Trump secures a victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, questions loom over whether he will follow through on the bold foreign policy promises made during his campaign. Among his most notable claims were ending Russia’s war in Ukraine in 24 hours, imposing new tariffs on China, and warning of dire consequences for Israel if he lost the election. Now that Trump has claimed victory, the world watches closely to see how these promises will translate into action.
Ending the Ukraine War: Will Trump Fulfill His Bold Claim?
One of Trump’s most ambitious pledges was his assertion that he could resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine within a day. “Even now, I could solve that in 24 hours,” he said. However, Trump has been vague on how he would achieve this. Throughout the campaign, he criticized President Biden’s support for Ukraine and suggested that Ukraine might need to cede territory to reach peace—a proposal rejected by Ukrainian officials. Trump’s stance on NATO also remains a critical issue; he has threatened to rethink the alliance’s role and pressured European members to meet military spending targets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, has expressed hope that Trump’s “peace-through-strength” approach could bring peace to Ukraine. But with the conflict continuing, many are skeptical about whether Trump can deliver on his promises to end the war quickly.
A Tough Stance on NATO and Global Alliances
Trump’s foreign policy in his first term was marked by his “America First” agenda, which included withdrawing from global commitments such as the Paris climate accord and making threats to leave NATO. Throughout his 2024 campaign, he reiterated his criticisms of NATO, particularly its members who fail to meet military spending targets. He suggested that NATO could face serious challenges if he returned to power, even warning that he might not defend members who don’t pay their share.
Trump’s attitude toward NATO and Europe remains one of unpredictability. Critics in Europe, who remember the strains of his first presidency, worry about his potential to reignite tensions within the alliance.
A Freer Hand for Israel: Support for Netanyahu and a Focus on Iran
Trump’s policy on Israel was one of the most visible aspects of his first term. He was a staunch ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and supported Israel’s military operations. In his second term, Trump is expected to continue backing Israel, providing it with military aid and likely adopting a more aggressive stance toward Iran. Trump’s abandonment of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 is one of his signature foreign policy moves, and if re-elected, he may take further steps to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
However, the escalating conflict in Gaza and Lebanon presents new challenges. Trump has expressed unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself, but his approach to the broader Middle East conflict remains to be seen.
Confronting China: Mixed Messages on Trade and Taiwan
One of Trump’s most contentious foreign policy positions during his first term was his trade war with China. As president, he imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, and many expect him to do the same in a second term. However, his rhetoric regarding China has been inconsistent. While he has accused China of unfair trade practices, he also praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him “brilliant” for ruling with an “iron fist.”
Trump has also threatened to go further in his confrontations with China, including pushing Taiwan to pay the U.S. for defense and suggesting that China would never invade Taiwan if he were in office. His stance on China’s territorial ambitions in Taiwan remains a key concern for both the U.S. and its allies in the Pacific.
Mixed Signals on Global Policy: What Will Trump’s Team Look Like?
A significant unknown is how Trump will assemble his national security team. His first term was marked by a high turnover of top officials, and many former aides, including national security adviser John Bolton, have criticized his leadership. Despite this, sources close to Trump suggest that he may reinstall loyalists like his former national security adviser Robert O’Brien in key positions, giving him greater control over foreign policy.
This has raised concerns that Trump’s second term could be even more unpredictable, with his allies taking charge of key agencies like the Pentagon and the CIA. If this happens, it could lead to sweeping changes in U.S. foreign policy and government institutions that implement presidential decisions.
Trump’s Global Legacy: Turbulence and Uncertainty Ahead?
Trump’s first presidency was marked by an “America First” approach that sought to diminish U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts and challenge international norms. His unpredictability and willingness to take bold, unilateral action made his foreign policy a source of concern for many allies, while giving his supporters hope that he would restore strength and order.
As he prepares for a second term, the world will be watching to see whether Trump can live up to his promises and how his foreign policy will shape global relations in the coming years. Whether it’s ending the war in Ukraine, reshaping NATO, or navigating complex dynamics in the Middle East and Asia, Trump’s approach could have lasting consequences on international stability and U.S. leadership.
