The notion that America has descended into isolation under Trump’s America First policy is a simplistic narrative shaped more by emotional rhetoric than critical analysis. It falsely conflates the prioritization of national interests with abandonment of global leadership. In reality, Trump’s policies sought to rectify trade imbalances, enhance border security, and push for fairer partnerships that had long been skewed against American workers and industries.
Myth of “America Alone”
The assertion that America has become isolated due to its policies under Trump ignores the significant international shifts that occurred during his presidency. Nations across the world, including Mexico, Canada, and European allies, ultimately renegotiated trade agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), which replaced NAFTA and addressed key trade disparities. Far from isolating itself, the U.S. achieved concessions that benefited American labor and manufacturing, objectives that prior administrations had been unable to accomplish.
Similarly, with China, Trump’s pushback on intellectual property theft, currency manipulation, and trade barriers was overdue. Many in the global community acknowledged these issues privately but lacked the political will to confront Beijing. Trump’s actions brought these issues into the open, paving the way for future administrations to build on that momentum. The notion that this positioned America as a pariah fails to recognize how this repositioning strengthened American leverage.
Trade Wars: Necessary Toughness or Recklessness?
The trade war with China is frequently portrayed as an impulsive move, yet it was a calculated strategy to address longstanding structural imbalances. China, after decades of exploiting loopholes in global trade rules, faced consequences for its practices. Even after Trump’s presidency, many of his trade policies remained intact under Joe Biden, indicating that the underlying logic was sound. Tariffs may not be a perfect tool, but they sent a clear message that the era of exploitative trade deals was over.
The historical comparison by some to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 is misleading. The 1930s tariffs were imposed without a clear strategy in a less interconnected global economy. In contrast, Trump’s tariffs were part of a broader effort to renegotiate trade agreements and protect key industries from unfair competition. The global markets did react, but the predicted economic collapse did not materialize. In fact, U.S. manufacturing saw growth in certain sectors, and unemployment reached historic lows before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world economy.
Border Security and Immigration: Protecting Sovereignty
The claim that Trump’s immigration policies amounted to cruelty and xenophobia overlooks the real issues at stake. The unchecked flow of illegal drugs, human trafficking, and criminal cartels through the U.S.-Mexico border posed serious risks to national security. Border security measures, including the construction of barriers and stricter enforcement, were aimed at curbing these threats. Trump’s efforts were not designed to “punish” Mexico but to push it to take greater responsibility for controlling migration and drug flows, a goal that subsequent administrations have quietly continued to pursue.
U.S. Global Influence: A Shift, Not a Collapse
Critics often point to Trump’s reduction of foreign aid and skepticism of multilateral organizations as evidence of America withdrawing from global leadership. However, the underlying principle was to ensure that U.S. contributions produced tangible results rather than perpetuating dependency. USAID and other foreign aid programs, while beneficial in some cases, had become bloated and ineffective in others. Redirecting these resources toward domestic priorities does not signify the death of international cooperation but a rebalancing of American priorities.
Moreover, the claim that Africa has been abandoned ignores the broader context of global competition. China has aggressively expanded its presence in Africa through debt diplomacy and infrastructure investments. Trump’s administration sought to counter this influence through initiatives like the Prosper Africa program, aimed at fostering U.S.-Africa business ties. While less flashy than aid packages, these initiatives focused on sustainable development and mutual benefit.
A Pragmatic Realignment
The America First approach was never about isolation. It was about redefining America’s role in a changing world, one where endless entanglements and unbalanced agreements no longer served U.S. interests. Trump’s policies, though unconventional and often controversial, challenged a global order that had taken American leadership for granted. As history often demonstrates, change is rarely welcomed by those who benefit from the status quo. Far from leaving America alone, Trump’s administration opened a new chapter in U.S. diplomacy, one based on strength, fairness, and a demand for accountability from its partners.
By Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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