
A look at Trump’s foreign policy goals
Promising a return to the America First doctrine, US President-elect Donald Trump’s early conversations with leaders following his election victory indicate he aims to fulfill his promises to quickly end the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. VOA Chief White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara reports.
The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, will be the global backdrop as Donald Trump and his “America First” foreign policy return to the White House.
Donald Trump
US president-elect
Nothing will stop me from keeping my word to you, the people. We will make America safe, strong, prosperous, powerful, and free again.
Trump’s term starts Jan. 20, but he has already spoken with world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Moscow denies reports that Trump has also spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump campaigned on ending wars quickly. Analysts say he is eager to deliver.
Charles Kupchan
Council on Foreign Relations
When it comes to the Middle East, I think in some ways, the message will be: "Hurry up and finish this war." For Ukraine, it’s going to be: “Stop.”
Trump has never explained how he will make wars stop but often criticizes the billions of dollars of US aid going to Ukraine. A rapid end to the war could mean major concessions by Kyiv, something Zelenskyy says is not likely to happen.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukraine president
We want a just end to this war. I am sure that a fast end of war means losses.
With North Korea sending soldiers to help Moscow, the war in Ukraine could have broader geopolitical implications, at a time of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Trump must also deal with Israel, which appears focused on maximalist aims rather than a cease-fire, not only with Hamas in Gaza but also with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the war’s second front. Both groups are proxies of Iran.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli prime minister
We see the Iranian threat in all its components and the danger it poses. We also see the great opportunities before Israel in the field of peace and its expansion.
Trump promised to be tough on trade, especially against China. In his congratulatory message to Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “stable, healthy and sustainable” ties.
Mao Ning
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson
Xi Jinping pointed out that history has shown that China and the United States benefit from cooperation and suffer from confrontation.
Trump also promised to crack down on immigration, vowing to mass-deport undocumented immigrants. On Monday, he moved on that promise, appointing Tom Homan, his former acting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, as incoming “border czar.”
Patsy Widakuswara VOA News, Washington.
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2024-11-15