As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, the nature of his foreign policy strategy remains a topic of interest and speculation. Experts and lawmakers are weighing in on what can be expected during his second stint in office.
According to J. Michael Waller, senior analyst for strategy at the Center for Security Policy, Trump will likely pursue an “America first” foreign policy, which does not mean isolationism. Instead, it means defining the United States’ national interests strictly and not committing to crises around the globe that are not vital to the country’s existence.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is advocating for a significant increase in military spending to build up the nation’s “hard power.” He warned against an isolationist approach, emphasizing that the response to four years of weakness should not be four years of isolation.
McConnell argues that the United States must commit to a significant and sustained increase in defense spending, generational investments in the defense industrial base, and urgent reforms to speed up the development of new capabilities and expand allies’ access to them. He believes that the country cannot afford to shrug off faraway chaos as irrelevant and that the United States’ credibility is indivisible.
Trump has already indicated his stance on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the start of negotiations. He has also spoken about the release of hostages in the Middle East, warning that if they are not released by the time he assumes office, “there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East.”
As Trump prepares to take office, his approach to foreign policy will have significant implications for the United States’ global presence and relationships. The country’s allies and friends will be watching closely to see how he defines American interests and how he plans to prioritize the nation’s national security.