Continuity and Adjustments of US Foreign Policy
During his first term (2017-2021), the administration of US President Donald Trump systematically implemented the “America First” doctrine, prioritizing national interests and sovereignty over multilateral engagements. The Trump administration withdrew from several international agreements and mechanisms, or reevaluated them, as they were deemed contrary to US interests, such as the Open Skies Treaty (2002), the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA, 2015), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP, 2016; now the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – CPTPP).
These measures marked a significant shift in US foreign policy, moving from a focus on cooperation and international commitments to prioritizing protection of national interests and economic sovereignty. This approach indicated a trend towards reducing US involvement in multilateral mechanisms in favor of greater autonomy in shaping foreign policy. Additionally, the Trump administration pursued a highly protectionist trade policy, imposing additional tariffs on allies such as the European Union and Canada, as well as strategic competitors. This policy not only escalated global trade tensions but also raised questions about the level of US engagement and leadership in the current international economic system.
Since taking office on January 20, 2025, the administration of President Donald Trump has quickly reaffirmed the orientation of its foreign policy for a second term, continuing the “America First” doctrine, but with a firmer, more proactive, and pragmatic approach than in the previous term. In December 2025, the National Security Strategy (NSS 2025) was issued, demonstrating that the Trump administration’s foreign policy, in its “2.0 version,” remains focused on national interests, with key priorities such as strengthening strategic competition with China, reassessing and adjusting commitments to traditional allies, and evaluating participation in global initiatives that do not directly benefit the US.
In terms of governance, the Trump administration showed a trend towards increased centralization of executive power and expanded control over agencies responsible for shaping and implementing foreign policy. From the early weeks of his term, President Trump made significant changes to senior officials in foreign affairs and security, reduced the size of the National Security Council, and initiated the restructuring of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) by merging it with the State Department to enhance coordination of resource management and foreign policy.
These adjustments aim to consolidate the central role of President Donald Trump in policy planning and coordination, while illustrating a trend towards centralizing power and reducing internal control mechanisms within the executive branch. This approach reflects a governance model that prioritizes individual leadership, focusing on operational efficiency and direct control over strategic decisions related to US security and foreign policy.
In a historical, cultural, and political perspective on America, the emergence of the “phenomenon Donald Trump” signifies a new phase of populist development in American politics. This phenomenon manifests changes in discourse style and campaign methods, deeply impacting electoral alliances, partisan identities, and the operation of American politics. Populism, derived from the Latin “populus,” which means “people,” is essentially a political movement that emphasizes the role, will, and aspirations of the people in the process of shaping and exercising power. Populism is often used to describe demagogic political tactics that exploit mass psychology to attract and gain public support.
In the US, populist ideology emerged when farmers and worker groups demanded tax and land reforms, and increased state regulation in the economy. By the late 19th century, populism had flourished within rural social movements, contributing to shaping the socio-political context necessary for the development of political parties, notably the modern Democratic Party.
The results of the 2016 US presidential election revealed the rise of populism in a context of globalization and profound social transformations. Under the slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), President Donald Trump exploited and highlighted the underlying contradictions in American society related to economic, immigration, and cultural issues. Contemporary populism signifies a redefinition of political discourse, media models, and direct interaction between leaders and citizens in the digital age.
Many researchers argue that the emergence of the “phenomenon Donald Trump” aligns with the Jacksonian tradition, a nationalist and populist movement associated with 19th-century US President Andrew Jackson. The Jacksonian ideology emphasizes the concept of “America for Americans,” valuing cultural values and religious beliefs prevailing in society, prioritizing national security, welfare, and liberties, while adopting a cautious stance towards international commitments.
In American history, President A. Jackson is seen as a symbol of faith in the autonomy of the people, especially farmers, workers, and Western residents, in the context of a growing democracy. In many ways, President D. Trump is considered the heir to this spirit in the 21st century, as evidenced by his ability to channel discontent among a portion of the electorate into political power. Both American leaders aspire to represent the people and garner support from voter groups feeling disadvantaged by socioeconomic transformations.
President Donald Trump’s political style reflects the characteristics of modern populism: direct discourse, privileged dialogue with the public, and a tendency to break away from traditional political communication norms. His candid and original statements are perceived as a means to maintain a direct connection with voters amidst the rapid rise of digital media.
Historically, the populist spirit of both periods exhibits certain similarities but manifests in different socio-economic and media contexts. President A. Jackson served in a time when the US was heavily reliant on agriculture, media was underdeveloped, and democracy was gradually progressing, while President D. Trump emerged in an era of deep globalization, increasing political polarization, and rapid communication technology development. In both periods, recurring elements are observed in American politics, such as a crisis of confidence in institutions, growing social inequalities, and the need to assert the role of popular social groups in national development.
From a historical perspective, the “phenomenon Donald Trump” may be identified as a new manifestation of populist trends in American politics, reflecting the cyclical nature and internal adjustment of American democracy to adapt to globalization.
Realism as conceived by US President Richard Nixon
Many analysts believe that President Donald Trump shares similarities with President Richard Nixon (1969-1974) in his political and foreign policy approach, deeply rooted in realism. Nixon, a pragmatist, always placed the nation’s strategic interests at the core of his policy, even in relations with countries holding different ideologies. Nixon advocated for dialogue, judicious use of diplomatic tools, and careful consideration of the balance between national interests and international order.
In many political decisions, President Donald Trump has clearly exhibited a realistic tendency, prioritizing national interests, reducing reliance on multilateral commitments, and emphasizing practical effectiveness over symbolic values. In terms of political style, some analysts believe that President Trump bears similarities to the philosophy expressed by President Nixon through the “madman theory” in international relations. This strategy involves proactively creating an unpredictable image to increase pressure in negotiations and prompt caution in the other party. While President Nixon applied this approach during the Cold War era, President Trump shows a similar tendency in some foreign policy actions, reflecting a leadership style that prioritizes flexibility and surprise to gain an advantage in international negotiations.
Furthermore, a notable similarity between the two leaders lies in their exploitation of the psychology of the “silent majority,” these voters adhering to traditional values, the established order, and aspiring to social stability. In the late 1960s, as America experienced profound social upheavals, President R. Nixon used this concept to secure the support of those who, though rarely vocal publicly, sought to preserve order, rights, and traditional values.
Nearly half a century later, President Donald Trump applied this strategy in a different context. He targeted voters marginalized by globalization and automation, especially the traditional working class severely affected by economic changes. President Trump’s political strategy created a rallying effect, transforming discontent into support and reshaping opposition in contemporary American politics.
However, there are clear differences in approach and leadership style, especially when President D. Trump demonstrates a flexible approach, preferring the use of mass media as a primary political tool; concurrently, he expands the concept of the “silent majority” into a politico-cultural tool, reflecting the trend to respond to changing values in modern American society.
Comparatively, their relations with conservative Christian voter groups stand out as another common point. While both leaders garnered support from this group, their approaches differed. Reagan favored a moralizing discourse and religious convictions, while Trump focused on specific policies such as judicial appointments and protecting religious freedom.
From a theoretical standpoint, experts argue that while the presidency of R. Reagan embodied a period of unapologetic American expansion, that of D. Trump reflected a tendency towards protecting national interests and identity in the era of globalization. These distinct periods illustrate the cyclical nature of American political thought: a constant balance between expansionist desires and the need to adapt to evolving societal developments.
The Trump administration within the American political system
The preceding analysis demonstrates that the Trump administration inherits both traditional ideological currents from American political history and unique characteristics stamped by his personality. Some of his approaches, such as economic nationalism, a focus on internal interests, and an emphasis on strength, echo precedents in US history. Even the slogan “America First” is not entirely new; it reflects a long-standing ideological trend deeply rooted in the American political system.
Culturally and ideologically, President Donald Trump’s administration represents a return to traditional patriotism and values intrinsic to the nation rather than its role as the “world’s policeman.” This echoes the “Jacksonian” spirit of American political history. Trump’s characteristic populism aligns more with the revival of an old ideological current in American politics than an entirely new trend.
From another perspective, President Trump’s administration is both a product of American political culture and a unique phenomenon. It embodies the influence of conservative traditions such as President A. Jackson’s populist spirit, President R. Nixon’s realism and pragmatism, and President R. Reagan’s nationalist mentality. However, D. Trump’s approach is personal and reflects the evolution of the political landscape, media, and public opinion in the age of globalization. While President R. Reagan represented an international conservative current, combining power and ideals, President D. Trump favors a nationalist conservative approach, focusing on American interests.
President Donald Trump has inherited many fundamental values of American political thought, such as patriotism, belief in national sovereignty, and the central role of economic power. However, the way he expressed these values was highly personal, reflecting his characteristic leadership style in the era of media and identity politics. This underscores the need to distinguish structural elements (cultural and historical heritage) that Donald Trump inherited from behavioral elements (personal leadership style, political interaction methods).
President Donald Trump’s return to the American political scene after 2024 presents both theoretical and practical challenges. Politically, it can be predicted that the US will adjust its global role to prioritize national interests and strategic competition among major powers. From a research perspective, President Donald Trump’s case highlights the importance of understanding American and foreign policy in a cultural and historical context, rather than just analyzing contemporary political behaviors.
It can be affirmed that President Donald Trump represents a phenomenon both familiar and unique in the American political landscape. Familiar, as it continues well-established historical trends; unique, as it expresses these trends in an unprecedented context tied closely to digital media and rapid transformation in modern political life. Combining a historical-cultural perspective with an analysis of the leader’s behavior provides a better understanding of President Donald Trump’s role in American politics, both domestically and internationally, up to 2030.
Overall, the evolution of American foreign policy and ideology shows that each power transition involves redefining perceptions of roles, interests, and national identity in an ever-changing international context. Fundamentally, this expresses the law of strategic adaptation, where major powers seek to adjust their behavior to maintain influence and power balance in a continually evolving global order. Observationally, these changes emphasize the importance for nations, including Vietnam, to reflect on a flexible and resolute approach, combining internal strength and national identity in guiding their foreign policy. In a rapidly changing and unpredictable world, understanding the dynamics of major powers not only expands comparative perspectives and forecasting capabilities, but also strengthens the foundations of an independent, balanced, and sustainable approach to national development strategy.
Source: https://tapchicongsan.org.vn/web/guest/the-gioi-van-de-su-kien/-/2018/1220202/chinh-sach-doi-ngoai-cua-chinh-quyen-tong-thong-my-donald-trump-trong-nhiem-ky-thu-hai–tiep-can-tu-goc-do-lich-su-va-van-hoa.aspx
