How US Changes Foreign Policy: If we talk about the contemporary foreign policy of America, it can be summed up in just one phrase – the American President makes friendship quickly, but only makes friends with those who abide by his terms. America’s foreign policy was stable for the last several years, but ever since Donald Trump became the President of America again, he has surprised many old allies with his policy. The world was surprised to see that he grew closer to those countries from which America traditionally maintained distance.

Donald Trump’s second term (January 2025 – till now) has emerged as a controversial and very different chapter for American foreign policy. He again put the slogan of ‘America First’ at the center, due to which both traditional diplomacy and alliances have come under challenge. When Trump has again become the President of America, his attitude is different. He distanced himself from the countries included in the list of traditional friends and grew closer to them, due to which America used to get sidelined. His policy is not only changing America’s diplomatic profile, but is also changing the direction of global geopolitics.

He is no longer ‘friendly’ with India

There have been ups and downs in India-US relations. On some occasions, PM Modi and Trump had positive dialogue, but differences have also emerged on topics like trade, tariffs and global partnership. Policy-wise, Trump repeatedly challenged India on trade agreements, such as pulling India out of the GSP. At the same time, the Modi government, with its ‘self-reliant India’ policy and closeness with Russia, has indicated that India will not remain in any one camp. Especially when India and EU signed a long free trade agreement, which was seen as a challenge to US policy.

Trade war against Canada and Mexico

Trump imposed massive tariffs and issued warnings against Canada and Mexico, straining trade relations. Both countries also implemented retaliatory tariffs. Debate increased regarding the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. This trade war presents an economically responsible and fair challenge to America’s longtime friends.

Spoiled relations with France, Britain and Europe

The way Trump has raised the issue of Greenland and has stuck to it, it is also distancing America from its oldest ally, the European Union. The Greenland dispute has led to a breakdown in trans-Atlantic relations with Europe due to the strictness of NATO and European policy. Strategically, Europe has now started giving more importance to its own defense and economic partnerships. America has also had heated debates with France and Britain on many issues.

‘America First’ changed the scenario

The Trump administration has given the slogan of America First and to fulfill this, it has maintained a symbolic or direct distance from many major international agreements and organizations. America has currently withdrawn from many United Nations programs and the World Health Organization (WHO). This step symbolizes America’s move away from its traditional role towards a unilateral policy. Donald Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace is also being considered a parallel organization to the United Nations Security Council. Also, America has once again withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Who became America’s friends?

1. Trump’s relations with Ukrainian President Zelensky remain on and off. During his friendship with Putin, he left no stone unturned in insulting him, but after his displeasure with Putin, he has gone soft on Zelensky. Trump also improved relations with North Korea, but later this also failed.
2. Trump considered Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and shifted the US Embassy there and now himself is maintaining friendship with Arab countries. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu is also not very happy with this.
3. Trump built a very close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), especially over oil and defense deals. Trump supported MBS despite Khashoggi murder. His warmth with the new President of Syria was also in the news because at one time he was included in the list of America’s most wanted.
4. The most shocking name in this list is that of Pakistan, which was kept aside by the American governments after the encounter of Osama Bin Laden. Donald Trump kept it like this in his first term, but the way the visits are going on between Islamabad and Washington in the second term, it shows that Trump has changed the face of American foreign policy.