The first year of President Trump’s return to office has redefined the “America First” policy, showcasing a strategy that is far from isolationist. This approach emphasizes the assertive use of unilateral power across the globe.
LEILA FADEL, HOST:
In the coming minutes, we’ll explore a career diplomat’s perspective on President Trump’s foreign policy approach during his first year. But first, let’s delve into the key developments. Recently, President Trump ordered a blockade on oil tankers related to Venezuela that appear on U.S. sanctions lists. This move significantly escalates his pressure campaign against President Nicolas Maduro’s government, marking a notable instance of Trump’s assertive global power play, as he seeks to reshape international dynamics to align with U.S. or personal preferences.
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PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: I’ve restored American strength, settled eight wars in 10 months, destroyed the Iran nuclear threat and ended the war in Gaza, bringing, for the first time in 3,000 years, peace to the Middle East.
FADEL: There’s a great deal of exaggeration in those claims, but it has indeed been a whirlwind year in foreign policy. Joining us to discuss this is NPR White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez. Hi, Franco.
FRANCO ORDOÑEZ, BYLINE: Hey, Leila.
FADEL: Trump campaigned on ending “forever wars” and promoting “America First,” often being perceived as transactional with a narrow view on global engagement. Despite this, his second term has seen a considerable international focus, correct?
ORDOÑEZ: Yes, since taking office, he’s wielded tariffs against allies, declared a war on drug cartels, facilitated hostage releases in Gaza, and sought closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has criticized European allies as weak and has shown disdain for alliances. Stewart Patrick, formerly of the George W. Bush State Department and now with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, remarked that Trump has targeted post-Cold War economic institutions and alliances, redefining them through an “America First” perspective.
STEWART PATRICK: The way I have sometimes described is on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary, Trump has launched a second American Revolution. He’s declared independence from the world that the United States created.
ORDOÑEZ: The White House asserts that Trump is fulfilling his promises to advance American interests by securing fair-trade deals, urging allies to boost defense spending, and combating narco-terrorists, while resolving global conflicts to enhance global safety.
FADEL: Simultaneously, Trump’s actions and remarks suggest a desire to divide the world among major powers.
ORDOÑEZ: Indeed, Trump perceives the world through spheres of influence. Citing the Monroe Doctrine, he’s expressed a desire to reaffirm U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. This stance marks a departure from previous administrations, which prioritized other regions while confronting major powers like Russia and China. Trump, however, has sought to improve relations with Russia, particularly in efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
FADEL: Do his actions in Venezuela relate to this strategy, particularly the oil tanker blockade and the contentious drug boat strikes?
ORDOÑEZ: Yes, along with immigration policies and military buildup in the Caribbean, as well as the controversial $20 billion bailout for Argentina, Trump aims to establish the U.S. as the dominant power in the region, countering China and Russia’s influence.
FADEL: But isn’t China already a significant player in the region?
ORDOÑEZ: Absolutely. Benjamin Gedan, who managed the South America portfolio in the Obama White House, noted that China has been gaining ground through trade and investment, presenting itself as a preferable partner.
BENJAMIN GEDAN: Latin America has a lot of problems right now, and the United States really could help. But the policy prescription right now is just bad medicine. It’s bringing a military-first approach to a region that needs investment, it needs trade and it needs help for its law enforcement agencies to be able to fight organized crime. None of those are tasks for an aircraft carrier.
ORDOÑEZ: Gedan suggests that the U.S. should focus on building partnerships based on cooperation rather than fear.
FADEL: That’s White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez. Thank you, Franco.
ORDOÑEZ: Thank you, Leila.
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