No adult in the room: How Donald Trump’s return to the White House is reshaping global affairs

RU

This article was originally published in Russian on March 3, 2025.

Trump's “America First” doctrine is crucial to his stance on global affairs and geopolitical strategy. Observers in North America and Europe have noted his hostility against alliances and multilateral cooperation, as well as his skepticism regarding traditional allies of the United States. His 2017 criticism of NATO — calling it “obsolete” — and the 2024 rumors about his desire to withdraw the U.S. from the North Atlantic bloc underscore the position.

North America

Trump’s first term in the White House was marked by tensions with U.S. allies and neighbors, but the key question in 2025 is: where does the new administration’s populist rhetoric end and real policy begin?

Trump and his team have repeatedly insulted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling him a “governor of the 51st state,” a girl, “two-faced,” and “dishonest and weak.” Back in 2022, Trump described Trudeau as “a far left lunatic who has destroyed Canada.”

For Trump’s conservative base, Trudeau represents everything they oppose — progressivism, tolerance, and a left-liberal agenda that has “gone too far.” In contrast, Trump’s policies emphasize national security and economic protectionism.

Beyond personal insults, Trump continues to push Canada for trade concessions while also blaming it for U.S. domestic problems — including the opioid crisis and illegal immigration.

Following Trump’s Feb. 2, 2025, announcement of a 25% tariff increase on Canadian exports to the U.S. — a significant move given that 72% of Canada’s exports, worth approximately $400 billion, go to the U.S. — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau swiftly agreed to address drug trafficking concerns and enhance border security. In response, Trump temporarily suspended the tariff hike for 30 days. However, the situation appeared to be more about political maneuvering than a genuine policy dispute, as the volume of fentanyl entering the U.S. from Canada remains minimal. In 2023, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that only 0.2% of all fentanyl smuggled into the U.S. entered via the northern border. The overwhelming majority — 12 tons in 2022 — came from Mexico.