After Donald Trump took the oath of office in January, making a remarkable return to the White House, American allies worldwide are experiencing heightened insecurity. During his previous term, Trump pressured key allies — like South Korea and Japan — to increase their defense spending and renegotiated trade agreements in ways that disadvantaged these countries. His recent actions suggest a continuation of such policies. Within weeks of taking office, Trump reaffirmed his “America First” agenda by freezing military aid to Ukraine and threatening tariffs on European goods.
Additionally, he has intensified pressure on NATO allies, once again questioning their financial commitments.
Some argue that Trump’s approach embodies “restraint” — aimed at reducing unnecessary power expenditures and focusing U.S. resources on countering China. However, this strategy is self-contradictory. It is unrealistic to advocate for global containment of China while simultaneously alienating critical East Asian allies needed for this effort. Moreover, such treatment of partners sends a dangerous message to nations caught between the U.S. and China, potentially pushing them toward Beijing. Mexico, for example, has shown signs of moving closer to China amid strained U.S. relations. The López Obrador administration has expanded economic ties with Beijing, including major infrastructure projects and increased trade cooperation, a shift influenced by Trump’s hardline stance on immigration and trade.
The idea of restraint originated during the Cold War, assuming the Soviet Union was largely defensive rather than expansionist. Today, however, China’s ambitions go beyond defensive measures. Its historical dominance in Asia and anti-Western sentiment drive an aggressive challenge to the U.S.-led international order. By sidelining key allies, Trump’s approach risks accelerating this shift, weakening U.S. global leadership at a crucial moment.
Joon S. Ryu, Salt Lake City
