Foreign Policy
An overriding theme in the President-elect’s foreign policy is a commitment to change and a bolstering of strength. According to an April speech, Trump outlines his foreign policy with five major components.
First, Trump promises to boost the American economy, bringing currently outsourced jobs back to America. This will “give us the resources we need to rebuild our military and regain our financial independence and strength,” he said.
Second, Trump states our allies should pay their fair share for the security our military provides. He points to NATO, insisting that all 28 member countries should pay the minimum 2 percent of GDP as stated by official NATO guidelines. Trump says “the whole world will be safer” if all countries financially support our “common defense and security.”
Third, Trump plans to improve America’s international relationships, indicating that he will strengthen our ties to Israel and draw a firmer line when international security is in peril.
Fourth, he will work to prevent other nations from taking advantage of America. Citing cyber-attacks and what he believes are examples of disrespect, Trump vows to regain international regard.
Finally, Trump wishes to establish a coherent, well-planned foreign policy that will combine military strength with ideological warfare.
The President-elect vows to cease nation-building and instead focus on “creating stability in the world.” In an August speech, he elaborated on the subject, stating he will work hand-in-hand with our NATO and Middle East allies to “crush and destroy ISIS” with military force.
Additionally, he says he will fight against Radical Islamic propaganda, speaking out “forcefully against a hateful ideology that provides the breeding ground for violence and terrorism to grow.” Plus, his administration will support and give voice to “all moderate Muslim reformers.”
Trump promises to contain threats to our nation by reforming immigration. He says his immigration policy will allow only those who support our Constitution and share American values into the country. This means a temporary immigration suspension might be placed on certain volatile regions where the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security determine “adequate screening cannot take place.”
