Since his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump has aggressively pursued a transactional approach to diplomacy, issuing ultimatums and demanding concessions from both allies and adversaries.
Border Security Deals
Mexico deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to curb migration and drug flows, prompting Trump to suspend trade tariffs. Canada, already investing C$1.3 billion in border security, announced a new intelligence directive and pledged C$200 million to combat fentanyl trafficking.
Japan’s Economic Pledges
Trump pressed Japan on its trade surplus, leading Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to commit $1 trillion in U.S. investments, including factory expansions and energy purchases. Trump also announced progress on Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, requiring it to be an investment rather than an acquisition.
India’s Trade Concessions
Previously called a “big abuser” on trade, India is considering tariff cuts in multiple sectors to boost U.S. exports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visiting the U.S. this week, may also propose increased energy and defense imports.
Europe’s Defense Spending
Trump’s demands have pushed NATO allies to increase military spending beyond the 2% GDP target. The Ukraine war has further driven urgency, though funding remains a challenge. Trump also insists the U.S. should gain from Ukraine’s critical minerals in exchange for support. President Zelenskiy is open to investment partnerships but rejects outright resource giveaways.
Trump’s high-stakes diplomacy has yielded varying degrees of compliance, from symbolic gestures to substantial economic and security commitments. However, the true impact of these moves remains to be seen.
Also read: Trump Taps Musk for Pentagon Audit, Predicts Massive Fraud
