In his first week back in the White House, President Donald Trump has given an early preview of his second-term foreign policy approach: talk loudly and wield a big stick. This strategy was evident over the weekend when Trump threatened to impose massive tariffs on Colombia after the country’s leftist president, Gustavo Petro, initially refused to allow a U.S. military plane carrying deported migrants to land in Colombia.
Trump also challenged the Ukrainian president for being “brave” without negotiating with Russia. He surprised even Republican allies by suggesting that Middle Eastern nations take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza, potentially clearing the area to create a “clean slate.”
Through economic coercion and sharp rhetoric, Trump is signaling that he intends to be forceful in dealing with both allies and adversaries. In the Colombia incident, President Petro quickly relented after Trump threatened tariffs of 25% on all Colombian goods, which would double to 50% within a week. This episode may be just a taste of what is to come.
White House counselor Alina Habba said Petro miscalculated by “flexing with the wrong president.” She added, “You mess with the bull, you get the horns.”
During planning for their return to power, Trump’s team decided on an aggressive course of action to respond to any nation that blocked his agenda, hoping to make an example of them early on. The administration aims to show a clear commitment to the “America First” worldview.
Soon after the Colombia matter was resolved, Trump posted a photo of himself in a pinstripe suit and fedora, along with a warning not to test him. This was a modern twist on President Theodore Roosevelt’s advice to “speak softly and carry a big stick.”
Kevin Whitaker, former U.S. ambassador to Colombia, said the Trump administration achieved its goal. “They got what they wanted and sent a message about their commitment to use all tools to achieve their goals,” he said.
Trump’s approach is not limited to immigration. He used a phone call with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to pressure OPEC+ to cut oil prices, believing this would force Russia to end its war with Ukraine. He also suggested that Egypt and Jordan take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza, an idea rejected by officials from both countries and even by prominent Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.
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