Trump’s Presidency: Key Priorities and Global Impact
Title: The Expected Actions of President Trump
Author: Armands Gūtmanis, Director of Meta Advisory
As leaders in Europe freeze in fear, the unexpected president, Donald Trump, wins the election. He has begun to take action on several promised issues, which I will discuss.
The United States will be relentless against any competitors questioning its leading status. This is the core motivation for future actions. Warnings about the U.S. not allowing other nations to reject the dollar have surfaced. The dollar, alongside military strength, is crucial for U.S. power. Recently, Trump hinted at imposing 100% tariffs on imports from nations that try to move away from the dollar.
Competition regarding the dollar is intensifying, tied to discussions about groups like BRICS and digital currencies. This topic involves complex relationships with China, Russia, and financial centers like London.
Support for Israel
Trump is predictable and consistent. He promised support for Israel and immediately set out to fulfill this commitment post-election. His nomination of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Mike Pence as National Security Advisor highlights a victory for the pro-Israel faction within the Republican Party. Rubio has been a steadfast Israel supporter and has promoted strict measures against Iran.
Both Rubio and Pence have lessened their support for Ukraine to align with Trump’s views. In addition, Trump may appoint Elise Stefanik as U.N. Ambassador, who has strongly criticized anti-Semitism in U.S. universities.
Trump’s support for Israel stands firm against Iran. He may be open to negotiations with Tehran, but only if they agree to pay a steep price under his “maximum pressure” campaign.
Immigration Policies
Trump also commits to aggressive immigration control. He appointed Tom Homan, former head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as “border czar.” Homan’s past policies indicate a potential increase in deportations of illegal immigrants.
In Europe, an increasing number of nations are showing willingness to deport illegal immigrants. Countries like Hungary demonstrate this trend.
Security Policies
For Latvia, NATO membership is critical. We expect continued U.S. leadership in the alliance. Latvia has increased defense spending to meet Trump’s demands. The U.S. has historically supported Latvian security.
It is unlikely the U.S. will withdraw from Europe entirely, as Europe still holds strategic importance. Strong economic ties with Europe remain essential for the U.S., creating jobs domestically.
Moreover, any serious economic or political relationships with Russia are unacceptable. The U.S. and U.K. aim to isolate Russia. Sanctions imposed severely impact European nations, especially Germany, while affecting Russia to a much lesser extent.
Economic Strategies
As the Trump administration develops sectors where American businesses can excel, it will focus on artificial intelligence, technology, microchip manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. This includes the military applications of these technologies.
Support for the fossil fuel industry and nuclear energy stems from expected electricity shortages. Aging nuclear plants rely significantly on Russian fuel supplies. Thus, renewable energy solutions won’t be prioritized for now.
The new administration may expand protectionist policies to aid struggling sectors. This continues Trump’s initial approach during his first term.
Social Media Censorship
Recent discussions in Congress focus on whether the government oversaw content on social media. Investigations show a partnership between the U.S., U.K. military, and social media platforms established a censorship system.
Critics often blame Trump and Elon Musk for perceived misinformation. Musk advocates for freedom of speech and opposes governmental content control.
With the European Union investing in counteracting misinformation, tensions around speech freedom may arise, highlighting conflicts over censorship justified by national security.
Conclusion
Trump faces a populace eager for change, emphasizing a return to policies that resonate with the average voter. Ongoing support from wealthy donors shows the viability of Trump’s approach. The administration’s future actions will shape both domestic and international landscapes as it seeks to reinforce America’s position on the global stage.