On January 20th, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking a dramatic return to power. His early actions, primarily through a series of executive orders passed within his first days, have already set the tone for a presidency that seeks to undo much of Joe Biden’s legacy while dramatically reshaping America’s global role—one which, unlike his first term, is marred by high-profile disruptors in key positions of his administration.

Trump’s first term in presidency

In his first term, Trump similarly announced the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing it was unfair to American workers and industries. The withdrawal of international institutions was paired with UNESCO. He also reduced U.S. funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO), citing concerns over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged bias toward China. These actions reflected his broader ‘America First’ strategy, which prioritized domestic interests over international cooperation and saw the U.S. become protectionist and isolationist, stepping back from its traditional role in global leadership. 

Trump’s second term in presidency

After inauguration, Trump’s second term immediately put into action the withdrawal of the U.S. from key international organisations and agreements, including the a re-withdrawal of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement. Under the agreement, the U.S. had previously pledged a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025. However, in his announcement, Trump declared that “as of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the Paris Agreement,” including the NDC and contributions to the Green Climate Fund. These decisions mirror his first term but stand in great contrast to Biden’s globalist approach, which sought to restore U.S. leadership in international cooperation.

Trump’s withdrawal of the US from the WHO

The global implications of these decisions are profound. U.S. withdrawal from the WHO not only limits its funding and influence in shaping global health policies but also leaves a power vacuum that other nations, particularly China, are eager to fill. Following Trump’s announcement, China pledged increased financial and logistical support to the WHO, positioning itself as a leader in global health governance in the U.S.’s absence. This shift could further strengthen China’s influence on the international stage and weaken the global standing of the United States, especially as other countries increasingly align with China’s cooperative approach.

‘America First’ doctrine

One of Trump’s most controversial ambitions is his intention to renegotiate or cancel trade and cooperation agreements with the European Union—including the hiking of tariffs on European imports. Trump’s ‘America First’ doctrine views the EU less as a partner and more as a competitor who’s been ‘unfair’ to the US, particularly in trade and energy. By favouring bilateral deals, Trump hopes to negotiate agreements more advantageous to the U.S., bypassing the collective bargaining power of the EU. This approach would likely strain transatlantic relations, which had previously seen some recovery under Biden’s administration.

The consequences of Trump’s setback in green energy

Trump’s domestic policies are expected to face global ramifications. His declaration of an energy emergency to boost fossil fuel production not only reverses Biden’s green energy agenda but also complicates the EU’s climate ambitions—one increasingly globally isolated. Europe, which has been a leader in pushing for global climate action, now faces an uphill battle to maintain momentum without U.S. support. A worldwide reversal on the push for green energy may similarly revert the previously-expected trend of increasing demand for green technology, for which the EU has gambled on. The increased availability of cheaper U.S. fossil fuels on the global market undercuts European renewable energy initiatives, forcing European nations to work harder to protect their markets and achieve their ambitious climate targets. 

The consequences of Trump’s migration policy

Immigration policy, another hallmark of Trump’s presidency, has once again taken centre stage. The reinstatement of hardline measures such as the “Remain in Mexico” program and the construction of the border wall highlights Trump’s focus on securing U.S. borders at any cost. Trump’s immigration policies also have ripple effects internationally, straining relations with neighboring countries like Mexico and bolstering broader debates about migration and border security across Europe, particularly with Trump-friendly leaders like Italy’s Meloni and Hungary’s Orbán.

The above-mentioned “Remain in Mexico” policy—officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP)—requires non-Mexican asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases are processed. The initial implementation of MPP between 2019 and 2021 led to over 71,000 migrants being returned to Mexico, where many faced significant dangers, including kidnapping and assault. The policy’s revival has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of asylum seekers, as well as the logistical challenges of managing their cases across the border. These moves, combined with the labelling of major drug cartels as terrorist organisations, signal a shift toward a more militarised approach to regional security—one that could destabilise relations with key Latin American allies, as is already being seen with Colombia. Indeed, while Biden’s administration prioritized reversing Trump-era hardline immigration policies—Trump has emphasized strict border enforcement, reduced legal immigration, and implemented restrictive measures such as the “Remain in Mexico” program to deter asylum seekers.Time will reveal its societal and economic implications. 

Stance towards China and the TikTok ban

In addition, President Trump’s second term has started with a surprisingly softer approach toward China, signalling a willingness to engage in dialogue and potential deal-making. In a notable departure from his earlier hardline stance, Trump has delayed imposing hefty tariffs on Chinese goods, expressed interest in visiting Beijing, and offered a 75-day reprieve to TikTok. This has given Beijing hope for improved relations, especially as Chinese leaders are eager to avoid a repeat of the damaging trade war during Trump’s first presidency. Although the initial tone of the U.S.-China relationship under Trump appears warmer, many in Beijing remain wary, recognising that the fundamental dynamics of strategic rivalry between the two nations are unlikely to change—particularly in terms of Taiwan, the South China Sea, and a potential upcoming future technology competition. 

Trump’s Greenland Pursuit: Danish Officials on High Alert

As Trump has previously stated, he has great interest in buying the territory of Greenland from Danes. However, this has been met with refusal by the Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen. Recently, Donald Trump had a conversation with Frederiksen, which some described as a ‘cold shower‘. Five current and former European officials that attended the call, stated: ‘Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious and potentially very dangerous. The intent was very clear. They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode.‘ Trump has previously refused to rule out the option of the US military taking over the territory by force. The conclusion, according to Mette is: ‘The autonomous territory is ‘not for sale’. Seen through the eyes of the Danish government, Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.‘ More information on this topic to be found here. 

Trump’s first days in office demonstrate his commitment to overturning Biden’s legacy while pursuing a vision of American exceptionalism that prioritises sovereignty over international cooperation. For the EU, this poses a challenge: how to navigate a partnership with an administration that sees alliances as transactional and treaties as negotiable. As Trump promises a new “Golden Age” for America, the question remains—at what cost to the global order?

Other actions:

• Rolled back federal recognition of gender identity
• Founded the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
• Reaffirmed the existing constitutional right to free speech
• Reversed the withdrawal of Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terror
• Reversed sanctions on Israeli settlers
• Rolled back policy on artificial intelligence
• Reversed the Family Reunification Task Force
• Pardoned over 1,500 January 6 rioters
• Attempted to end birthright for children of undocumented and temporary immigrants