Trump: A Lost Opportunity for the USA and the World
Donald Trump’s presidency in 2025 has been marked by a series of missteps that have not only squandered opportunities for the United States but also destabilized global dynamics, turning his leadership into a source of ridicule and uncertainty. Trump has proven a lost opportunity.
Erratic Communication and Policy Flip-Flops:
Trump’s inability to speak strategically or maintain consistency has fueled chaos. His abrupt policy reversals, such as imposing steep tariffs on global trade partners only to backtrack within days, have earned him a reputation for U-turns. For instance, on April 9, 2025, he lowered duties on dozens of countries just 24 hours after imposing them, while escalating tariffs on China to 125%, causing market volatility and erasing trillions from global stocks.
Tariff Terror and Global Turmoil: Trump lost opporunity
Trump’s tariff policies, dubbed “tariff terror,” have disrupted the world economy. His initial 10% blanket tariff on all U.S. imports, followed by targeted hikes like the 104% duty on Chinese goods, led to retaliatory tariffs from China (also 125%) and strained relations with allies like Canada and Mexico. This trade war has threatened global supply chains, increased inflation fears, and driven a $5 trillion loss in the S&P 500, with companies like Apple facing significant exposure due to their reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
Self-Crediting for India-Pakistan Ceasefire Exposes Disconnect:
Trump has claimed credit for mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, announced on May 22, 2025, praising Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif for their “strength and wisdom.” However, his involvement appears exaggerated. The ceasefire, while a positive step, was primarily driven by regional dynamics and backchannel diplomacy with the U.S. playing a supportive rather than decisive role. This self-aggrandizement has exposed Trump’s tendency to overstate his influence, diminishing his credibility.
A Laughingstock in the Ukraine-Russia Conflict:
Trump’s handling of the Ukraine-Russia war has turned him into a global joke. On May 20, 2025, he announced that Russia and Ukraine would start immediate ceasefire talks, but the Kremlin offered no timeline, and Putin resisted a 30-day truce. Trump’s threats to abandon the process, calling it “not my war,” and his earlier decision to cut off military aid to Ukraine have alienated European allies and emboldened Russia, with critics like John Bolton noting Trump’s alignment with Putin over NATO allies.
EU Plans for a New World Order Amid U.S. Unreliability:
The European Union is increasingly planning for a new world order, viewing the U.S. under Trump as an unreliable ally. His trade wars, tariff unpredictability, and withdrawal from multilateral commitments (e.g., cutting aid to Ukraine and Africa) have prompted the EU to explore independent economic and defense strategies. On April 29, 2025, reports highlighted Europe’s defensive stance against Trump’s policies, with populist parties distancing themselves due to his “toxic” trade war impact.
