Donald Trump’s foreign policy during his presidencies had several business-related dimensions, which often intersected with traditional diplomatic efforts.
Trump notably used tariffs as a tool in his foreign policy, particularly targeting China with a series of tariffs in 2018 to address what he described as unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft. This approach was part of a broader “America First” policy, aiming to reduce trade deficits and protect American industries.
Trump’s administration engaged in what was widely described as a trade war, affecting not just China but also traditional allies like Canada, Mexico, and European Union countries. These actions were seen by some as leveraging economic power for diplomatic gains or renegotiating trade deals to be more favourable to the U.S.
Trump often approached foreign policy with a business-like, transactional mindset, focusing on deals where the U.S. could gain a direct, immediate benefit. This was evident in his negotiations around trade agreements, such as the renegotiated NAFTA into the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).
Trump’s extensive business interests across 25 countries posed potential conflicts of interest. His properties in places like India, Indonesia, and Turkey could influence or be influenced by U.S. foreign policy decisions. Critics argued this could lead to policy decisions favoring his business interests rather than broader national interests.
In a notable move, Trump ordered a pause on prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, arguing that it hindered U.S. companies in securing business abroad, particularly in countries with less rigorous anti-corruption enforcement.
In an attempt to build America’s economic dominance in the world, Trump’s actions were designed to bolster efforts to repatriate manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, especially from China. This included initiatives like “Operation Warp Speed” for vaccine development, showcasing government-private sector collaboration to advance U.S. interests.
Trump’s policy emphasized energy independence through support for domestic production, which had implications for foreign policy, particularly in dealings with oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Trump demands that NATO allies and other partners increase their defense spending or face potential reductions in U.S. military support, which was seen as a business-like negotiation where allies were expected to “pay” for U.S. protection.
There was an attempt to link trade concessions with security commitments, suggesting that countries could benefit from favorable U.S. trade policies if they aligned with U.S. strategic interests.
Trump’s approach was criticized for its unpredictability, which some argued destabilized international relations and damaged long-term U.S. credibility.
Trump’s refusal to fully divest from his business empire raised concerns about conflicts of interest, where foreign policy decisions might be influenced by personal financial gains.
The business aspects of Trump’s foreign policy thus reflected a blend of economic nationalism, direct negotiation for immediate gains, and a sometimes controversial intertwining of personal business interests with national policy objectives.
© Preems