The White House is becoming a “Fight House”. His ministers are clashing with his “co-president” Elon Musk in the Cabinet Room of the White House . The clash, taking place in front of the President and about 20 other officials, was an unusually public display of discord within the administration, a New York Times report said. He has turned the White House into a “The Apprentice” set, where foreign dignitaries are being grilled and “fired”. On a particular day, the White House could have been mistaken as a Tesla showroom.
He is conducting diplomacy on social media platforms. His tweets have sent global stock markets on a rollercoaster ride.
Trillions have been wiped out from world markets because of his “now on, now off’ tariff threats.
In just 50 days, US President Donald Trump has done more to reshape global power than any of his modern predecessors. The carefully constructed international order that the United States built over the past 80 years—one based on alliances, economic cooperation, and diplomatic leadership—has been thrown into disarray.
Through abrupt policy shifts, combative rhetoric, and a stark reversal of previous commitments, Trump has not only alienated longtime allies but also emboldened America’s adversaries. From abandoning Ukraine and aligning more closely with Russia to imposing tariffs on Nato allies and floating the idea of annexing foreign territories, his presidency’s second term has already proven to be a geopolitical earthquake.
1. Abandoning Ukraine, embracing Russia
Perhaps the most jarring shift in US foreign policy has been Trump’s decision to cut off military and intelligence support to Ukraine. This move marks a stark reversal from America’s previous stance, where it had backed Ukraine with billions in military aid to resist Russian aggression.
Not only has Trump refused to call Russia the aggressor in the ongoing war, but his administration also took the unprecedented step of voting alongside Russia, North Korea, and Iran at the United Nations against its own Nato allies. “Trump now sides with the invader,” said John Bolton, his former national security adviser.
In a contentious Oval Office meeting, Trump accused Ukrainian President olodymyr Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III”.
The White House has pressured Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire under terms that largely favor Russia, further dividing the United States from its European allies. Meanwhile,
2. Territorial threats Against Canada, Greenland, and Panama
Trump’s foreign policy has taken an unexpected turn toward territorial ambition. In a move reminiscent of 19th-century imperialism, he has floated the idea of taking control of Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even parts of Canada.
His insistence that the US-Canada border is an “artificial line of separation” has alarmed diplomats. When pressed on whether he would rule out military force to achieve his territorial ambitions, Trump bluntly said, “I’m not going to commit to that.”
3. Nato in Freefall
Trump has long criticized Nato, but his actions in his second term have pushed the alliance closer to a breaking point. His refusal to reaffirm America’s commitment to defend its allies has left European nations scrambling to find alternative security arrangements.
France has begun discussions about extending its nuclear umbrella to cover other European nations, and Poland is openly considering developing its own nuclear weapons. Germany, historically cautious about military expansion, has signaled that it may need to drastically increase defense spending and rethink its dependence on the US security umbrella.
“We’ve reached the point where we can no longer assume the United States will defend Europe,” said Friedrich Merz, the Germany’s likely next chancellor.
4. A new Monroe doctrine?
The Trump administration has floated the idea of a “Monroe Doctrine 2.0,” suggesting that global influence should be divided among major powers—namely the US, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
As per a New York Times article, former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger compared this approach to the infamous Yalta Conference of 1945, where “the strong countries decided the fate of small countries.” Such an approach would mark the end of multilateralism as the defining principle of global diplomacy.
5. A blunt economic war
Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on US allies, branding them “leeches” on the American economy. This aggressive economic policy has led to retaliatory measures from Europe and growing fears of a global recession.
In a sharp departure from traditional American economic diplomacy, Trump has suggested replacing the IRS with an “External Revenue Service” to “tax and tariff foreign countries to enrich our citizens.” His focus on economic nationalism has already rattled markets, with European businesses fearing that economic ties with the U.S. are no longer reliable.
As per a Reuters report, Trump’s tariff policies have rattled investors, leading to a stock market sell-off that has erased $4 trillion from the S&P 500’s peak last month. The downturn follows growing fears that the administration’s aggressive trade stance—particularly erratic tariff moves against Canada, Mexico, and China—could tip the economy toward a recession.
Lazard CEO Peter Orszag warned that the trade uncertainty is causing corporate leaders to reconsider their strategic plans. “People can understand ongoing tensions with China, but the Canada, Mexico, and Europe part is confusing,” Orszag said.
6. Elon Musk’s growing influence in foreign policy
One of the most unexpected developments in Trump’s second term has been the growing role of billionaire Elon Musk in shaping foreign policy. Musk, who was a major donor to Trump’s campaign, has taken an active role in dismantling US foreign aid programs.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID), once a cornerstone of American soft power, has been largely dismantled under Musk’s guidance. The move has struck fear into government employees, signaling that other international programs may soon be on the chopping block.