President Donald Trump’s theatrical bombast and mercurial speech—marked by swaggering declarations and off-the-cuff remarks—have the air of a showman, rather than a statesman. His behavior delights the mass base of his ardent followers, but frequently clashes with traditional American presidential norms, especially overseas.
A recent example: an AI-generated photo of Trump as a papal-clad pope provoked mass indignation. To others, it crossed the line from showiness into farce, evoking questions about his taste and judgment.
International Fallout and the Canada Controversy
Trump’s direct interference in Canada’s recent election—a once unprecedented and controversial move—cost the most Trumpian party in a major ally nation. The interference offended even friendly Canadians and disturbed other American allies. If America can so easily disrespect such a longstanding and cooperative ally, many are left wondering: who’s next?
But Trump’s divisive style masks a deliberate strategy. Beneath the crudeness lies a shrewd grasp of geopolitical influence—and an incentive to reshape America’s global posture.
Redefining U.S. Power
Trump’s approach to foreign policy has been unfairly characterized by some as isolationist. In reality, he’s a unilateralist, but not in the sense of withdrawing from the world, but to be the master of the world on our own terms. Here, he’s tapping into the heritage of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who warned against appeasement and advocated a powerful, global American presence to secure the future of democracy.
The post-World War II Western alliance system, built to contain Soviet communism, flourished without war. But Trump finds the post-Cold War international order to be outdated—defined by disproportionate economic burdens and exploitative trade deals. America, in his view, has assisted allies who return little.
Assuming the Trade Deficit
Trump is most focused on the U.S. trade deficit, which he sees as a stark failure of past administrations. Critics argue that his abrupt imposition of sweeping tariffs and bombastic threats of a “Day of Liberation” were destabilizing. But the result? Over 130 countries are now rethinking trade terms with the U.S.
While critics writing in newspapers like The Wall Street Journal labeled the policy a “disaster,” Trump’s team has made it difficult for trade partners to imagine they’ll be winners under business as usual. And since foreign trade accounts for only about 21% of the U.S. economy—and much of that is import-led—Trump assumes America’s on top.
The U.S. can shift production domestically or selectively outsource to low-cost regions. With experienced trade negotiators at his disposal, Trump appears confident American business interests are protected.
China, Russia, and the Realignment of Power
China first responded to Trump’s tariffs by threatening. Now, though, it is offering a hint of willingness to negotiate. The U.S. is forcing nations to choose between more integration with Beijing or Washington—a war that China cannot possibly win, particularly among high-end economies.
Meanwhile, on Ukraine, Trump’s method has been condemned. He excluded Russia from new tariffs in a bid to entice it into a sweeping deal that would end the war and improve U.S.-Russia relations. It is called naive by his opponents. But Trump considers it a gamble: by making economic incentives, he hopes to entice Putin back to the table—especially as Russia’s declining population, sick economy, and mounting battlefield losses are getting their revenge.
Putin’s hesitation to present reasonable peace terms could end up haunting him in the end, as the West continues to flood Ukraine with military aid. Trump is betting that he, not his critics, can make Putin behave through sticks, not sermons.
Underestimated, But Unrelenting
Trump’s strategies are not conventional. His rhetoric is often brash. But his power sensibilities, leverage sensibilities, and negotiation sensibilities are acute. He’s escaped the collaborative idealism of past decades, embracing instead a universe where U.S. reigns supreme, on its own terms.
Whether remaking international trade, disrupting the settled alliances, or confronting the authoritarian bloc, Trump’s vision is cinematic—and perilous. But he is convinced America’s power, and his willingness to use it unapologetically, will win out.
