Washington, D.C. — In his first 100 days in office, President Donald Trump has rapidly weakened American leadership in the world, leaving the United States more isolated, jeopardizing Americans’ security, and causing major economic strife at home.
A new report from the Center for American Progress explains how the administration has turned its back on U.S. allies and undermined national security functions, all while increasing the risk of conflict, intervention, and nuclear escalation. The Trump administration’s trade war has created market instability and increased consumer costs, hurting families here in the United States. And its unraveling of foreign aid jeopardizes public health, stalls climate progress, and fuels global instability.
“Trump’s foreign policy has left America weak, and Americans are paying the price,” said Allison McManus, managing director for National Security and International Policy at CAP and co-author of the report. “The Trump administration’s hypernationalistic approach to foreign policy fundamentally weakens U.S. global leadership at a time when partnerships and alliances are critical to addressing our security and economic challenges.”
The report recounts the Trump administration’s most damaging foreign policy moves, including how it has:
- Started trade wars that have raised consumer costs, tanked markets, and jeopardized economic partnerships
- Undermined U.S. commitment to NATO, creating ruptures with transatlantic allies
- Flouted security protocols and jeopardized intelligence sharing partnerships that keep American servicemembers safe
- Dismantled U.S. foreign assistance programs that exemplify U.S. leadership and generate global stability
- Pulled the United States out of global compacts on climate, health, and human rights that make the world a safer place for all.
- Increased the likelihood of more conflict in Europe by abandoning Ukraine and bolstering Russia
- All but abandoned the ceasefire process in the Israel-Gaza conflict, leading to renewed military action and more instability in the region
While these acts undoubtedly affect millions all over the world, the report finds that they have also already had real impacts here at home, jeopardizing Americans’ security and causing economic strife in only a few short weeks.
Read the report: “100 Days of the Trump Administration’s Foreign Policy: Global Chaos, American Weakness, and Human Suffering” by Allison McManus, Ryan Mulholland, Andrew Miller, Dan Herman, Robert Benson, and Courtney Federico
For more information, or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].