Trump's Foreign Policy Legacy: A Second Term Perspective

Former Trump NSC official Richard Goldberg discusses the successes and potential pitfalls of a second Trump presidency in foreign policy, from the campaign's focus on China to the implications for NATO and global alliances.

Former Trump NSC official Richard Goldberg believes that a second Trump presidency would prioritize a return to "peace through strength" and a focus on deterring adversaries.

Goldberg highlights the campaign's platform, which identifies China as the primary threat to national security. He emphasizes the need to invest in military modernization, including the use of AI and space technology, to ensure U.S. superiority against Beijing.

Trump's Foreign Policy Legacy: A Second Term Perspective

However, critics argue that Trump's foreign policy was isolationist, prioritizing "America First" at the expense of key alliances. Joel Rubin, a former Obama administration State Department official, believes that Trump's unilateral approach weakened relations with NATO and left the U.S. in a vulnerable position.

Goldberg disputes this characterization, arguing that Trump's "America First" rhetoric was not synonymous with isolationism. He points to the administration's decisive action against Iran, particularly the killing of Qassem Soleimani, as evidence of Trump's willingness to use force when necessary.

Trump's Foreign Policy Legacy: A Second Term Perspective

Rubin expresses concern over Trump's hard-line stance on NATO spending, which he believes has damaged relations with vital allies. He also criticizes the withdrawal from Afghanistan, arguing that it weakened the U.S. position and emboldened adversaries.

European leaders share similar concerns, with German lawmaker Jens Spahn emphasizing the need to avoid the mistakes of Trump's first term, where NATO delegations struggled to build relationships with Trump's advisers.

Trump's Foreign Policy Legacy: A Second Term Perspective

Ricarda Lang of the German Green Party goes further, expressing fears that Trump would "deliver Ukraine to Putin" based on comments by Trump's vice presidential pick, JD Vance.

Despite these criticisms, Rubin acknowledges positive contributions during the Trump era, such as the Abraham Accords and the initial engagement with North Korea. He praises Trump's efforts to seek progress on North Korea's nuclear program, though he laments the lack of tangible results.

Trump's Foreign Policy Legacy: A Second Term Perspective

Goldberg emphasizes the stability achieved during Trump's pre-pandemic administration, citing the deterrence of Russian aggression, the containment of Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the absence of multi-front conflicts involving Israel. He credits Trump's focus on rebuilding the U.S. military and confronting China's expansion.

Acknowledging some initial challenges during Trump's first term, Goldberg argues that Trump's willingness to experiment with unconventional approaches could yield positive results in a second term. He suggests that the maximum pressure campaign on Iran demonstrates this potential.

Trump's Foreign Policy Legacy: A Second Term Perspective

In conclusion, Goldberg believes that a second Trump presidency would focus on deterring adversaries, investing in military modernization, addressing the threat from China, and potentially reimagining foreign policy alliances. Critics, however, remain wary of the potential for a divisive and isolationist approach that could undermine global cooperation and stability.