If Trump really is running the world, where will he take it?

Donald Trump Thinks He’s Running the World

Donald Trump believes he is in charge globally. His ambition is vast, but it raises concerns. Where will the world end up under his chaotic leadership?

In a recent interview with “The Atlantic,” Trump shared his plans for global dominance. He claims to have removed “crooked guys” and investigations from his first term. “The second time, I run the country and the world,” he stated.

Trump aims to transform life in the U.S. and reshape global systems. These systems have supported American power since World War II.

He has become a prominent figure worldwide in just 100 days back in office. Allies and enemies alike are uncertain about his next moves. In this unpredictable era of MAGA foreign policy, it’s hard to distinguish friend from foe.

Many foreign leaders may dislike Trump, but they cannot ignore him. This must please a president who seeks notoriety.

America's Global Role

There is some truth to Trump's boast about running the world. Majda Ruge, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, explains America’s significant influence.

She notes that without U.S. support, Europe struggles to aid Ukraine effectively. “I run the world” holds some validity due to America's impact on global politics.

However, Ruge questions whether Trump leads constructively or disruptively. She wonders if he has a strategic plan for achieving his goals.

Supporters argue traditional U.S. foreign policies led to humiliation and lost wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. They believe Europe has relied too much on American military support while building welfare states.

Trump often raises important questions despite his brashness. For example, did two decades of engagement with China only strengthen its position? Shouldn’t Europeans take more responsibility for their own defense now?

Yet, Trump's methods may undermine global security and stability.

Risks of Trump's Temperament

Signs for Trump's foreign policy priorities look troubling after recent trade wars disrupted markets. However, his unconventional approach might find solutions others miss regarding Ukraine or Iran.

Still, his volatile style risks backfiring on international relations. While known as a builder, he often tears things down instead of creating stability.

His impulsive decisions can harm U.S. power rather than enhance it.

Foreign nations are reevaluating their relationships with America due to Trump's bullying tactics. They face tough choices: resist or appease him?

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently visited Washington hoping to appeal to Trump’s love for royalty. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faced backlash after challenging Trump during an Oval Office meeting.

Canada held elections focused on distancing itself from Trump's tariffs and demands for statehood status.

Fracturing Alliances

Ian Lesser from the German Marshall Fund notes that Trump feels freer in action today without considering allies' views. This could lead to successes but also systemic risks like fractured alliances that have historically supported U.S power.

Trump prefers engaging with strongmen like Putin over traditional allies who fought alongside America for democracy and freedom.

While Trump's actions seem erratic at times, there is an ideological basis behind them that many find unappealing.

Two German experts argue that Trump operates within a worldview based on strength versus weakness rather than friendship or enmity—what they call "social Darwinism."

This shift undermines one pillar of U.S power: its role as a stabilizing force against threats like Nazism and communism.

Consequences of Trade Wars

Trump's tariff clashes with China underestimated Beijing's resolve and pride as it seeks global influence too.

His aggressive stance could weaken vital areas of U.S leverage over time.

For instance, decoupling economies could hurt consumers while removing deterrents against Chinese aggression toward Taiwan.

Similarly, if European allies rearm due to fears about future U.S support, it may weaken transatlantic ties built over generations.

Trust among allies is eroding daily under Trump's leadership style.

He appears willing to recognize Putin's illegal actions in Ukraine while contemplating similar moves himself regarding Greenland.

Trump contradicts John Kennedy’s principle that America should lead by example rather than sheer power.

His disregard for human rights and preference for despots tarnish America's reputation globally.

Allies question whether they share values with Americans who elected such a president twice.

Some Asian partners are reassessing their reliance on U.S support amid China's rise.

In Europe, fears grow that America prioritizes other strategies over traditional alliances requiring self-reliance among allies now more than ever.

Lesser suggests that Trump's victory has accelerated historical anxieties into immediate concerns needing attention.

Though Trump believes he runs the world now, he complicates future presidents' ability to do so effectively.