Trump will continue to protect US interests and maintain alliances based on their strengths and weaknesses—and his taste.
Donald Trump made a historic political comeback to become the 47th president of the United States in one of the most divisive presidential elections in US history.
He defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the closing months after she succeeded an unpopular President Joe Biden. He escaped two assassination attempts and won an unprecedented race despite having felony convictions.
From his first presidency, it is clear that he will continue to protect US interests and maintain alliances based on their strengths and weaknesses—and his taste.
Trump is probably going to strengthen US backing for Israel, which Biden paused military assistance due to the suffering of Palestinian people in battle against Hamas, which the US considers a terrorist group.
Few Asian leaders are happier to see Trump returning to the White House than Indian PM Narendra Modi. He was the first leader to congratulate him on his historic win. His return will give Modi a chance to boost India’s image with the US and its allies, who have faced scrutiny for his Hindu nationalist policies in India and close ties with Russia, and violence against Sikh activists in the US and Canada.
Meanwhile, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will see his return as a chance to take advantage of divisions in the West and expand his influence in Ukraine. However, due to his unpredictable nature, some in the Kremlin are concerned that Trump may escalate the conflict in an attempt to pressure Putin into a settlement with disastrous consequences like a nuclear exchange.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will take this as an opportunity to resume negotiations to reach a security agreement with the US. It is anticipated that Trump, whose team drew the Abraham Accords and opened diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab countries, will focus majorly on expanding Saudi Arabia.
Turkey may be cautiously hopeful. Unlike the Biden administration, Trump could offer Erdogan more access in Washington. However, Turkey’s attempts to strengthen ties with China may pose challenges, and Erdogan’s anti-Israel rhetoric could strain relations.
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, is the most welcoming of his comeback. Kim expects that he will reduce US military presence and weaken growing military alliances between the US, Japan, and South Korea.
Though Ukraine was among the first leaders to congratulate him, anxiety is with Kyiv about his victory since they are concerned that he might reduce financial and military support and put pressure to give up land in peace talks with Russia.
For China, his win came at a worse time. His threat of a 60% blanket tax would destroy trade with the US, a significant economic pillar for China. But there are some positives. Musk has a strong relationship with China and has Trump’s attention. Additionally, Trump is questioning the US commitment to defend Taiwan, which aligns with China.
As for Japan, his win puts pressure due to the ruling coalition’s recent election-related majority loss. Trump has often criticized Japan’s trade surplus with the US. Additionally, Japan will face pressure as the US wants to restrict exports of chip-making equipment to China.
A further source of concern is the 2026 review of a free trade agreement between North American countries. Mexico wants to see how Trump will implement his tariff plan, which would be a barrier to increasing exports to its northern neighbor. Trump has threatened to impose financial pressure on Mexico despite its crackdown that helped the US cut border migrations ahead of elections.
Trump’s win will turn bad for Brazil since Trump supports Former President Jair Bolsonaro, Lula’s main rival. He fears that Trump might support the conservative pollical movement of Bolsonaro, whose followers attempted an insurrection against his government a week after his inauguration last year.
US-German relations are strained because of Trump’s hate for Angela Merkel, and as Scholz was her successor and finance minister, it will be difficult for him to break that relationship. The largest industry in Europe’s largest economy, the automobile sector in Germany, is particularly vulnerable to the import duties that Trump intends to apply from the US.