Trump criticized Putin for how the war was affecting Russia, stating that Putin was harming his own country by not making a deal. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov responded by saying they respect the American people’s choice and that Trump has shown respect for the Russian people as well.
Regarding the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered with the help of Trump’s team, the president expressed doubt about its longevity, emphasizing that it was not the U.S.’s war but rather a conflict for the parties involved. Trump praised his Middle East envoy for his role in achieving the deal.
In Gaza, Trump highlighted the need for redevelopment, drawing on his real estate background to suggest potential improvements for the region. He also lifted sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, despite accusations of violence against Palestinians.
Trump’s first term featured pro-Israel actions, such as relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal. The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Middle Eastern and North African countries, were hailed as a significant foreign policy achievement.
Trump’s characterization of North Korea as a “nuclear power” caused concern in South Korea, as it could imply recognition of North Korea’s nuclear status. The president’s confrontational approach with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, led to a rollercoaster of insults and threats before an unexpected declaration of admiration.
In discussions about China, Trump proposed imposing tariffs on Chinese goods and hinted at acquiring a stake in TikTok as part of a trade deal. He signed an executive order delaying the requirement for ByteDance to sell its TikTok stake to avoid a U.S. ban.
China expressed willingness to cooperate with the U.S., emphasizing mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. There were hints of potential collaboration despite past tensions.
While U.S. inaugurations have typically been focused on domestic matters, Trump’s foreign policy decisions and negotiations with various countries were under scrutiny.
Leading figures from the global political right, including individuals from its extreme hard-right populist factions, gathered in Washington on Monday for a significant event. Among the attendees were lawmakers from Alternative for Germany, a far-right nationalist party currently under surveillance in Berlin for suspected extremism, a party notably supported by Elon Musk, an ally of former President Trump. Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, known for her staunch anti-immigration stance, was also present at the gathering.
The inauguration event saw a notable lineup featuring Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentinian President Javier Milei, and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. Hungary’s populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Trump, emphasized the potential impact of Trump’s return, hailing it as a catalyst for the far-right’s political campaign against the European Union’s mainstream, declaring, “So the great attack can start.”
Orban’s ambitions were clear as he announced the launch of the second phase of an offensive targeting Brussels, highlighting his ongoing rivalry with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Von der Leyen, addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, acknowledged the intensifying geostrategic competition, cautioning against disrupting global economic ties.
During his previous term, Trump raised concerns among European leaders by hinting at reevaluating defense commitments, specifically urging NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP. His bold statements extended to territorial ambitions, including hints at acquiring Greenland and Panama amidst controversial claims regarding the Panama Canal’s control.
In a decisive move, Trump swiftly acted on his climate change agenda, issuing an executive order to withdraw from the 2016 Paris climate change accord, aligning the United States with a few other nations as non-signatories to the agreement. This move drew criticism from experts who view the accord as imperative for mitigating environmental catastrophe.
Notably, the Biden administration took a contrasting stance by announcing a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling, signaling a shift in environmental policy. However, Trump’s administration cited conflicting values as the reason for departing from the Paris agreement, advocating for increased drilling activities.
In a further demonstration of his administration’s divergence from international organizations, Trump moved to sever ties with the World Health Organization (WHO), citing allegations of misconduct related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision to withdraw from the WHO, an organization heavily funded by the U.S., raised concerns about the potential impact on global health initiatives.
As the political landscape continues to evolve amidst these bold policy decisions, the ramifications of Trump’s return to the global stage are poised to reshape diplomatic relations and strategic alliances. The clash of ideologies and competing visions for the future underscore the complexities of navigating a world in flux.
