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US History – 1945 to Present
Table of Contents
Unit 17 Overview: Trump Era: Populism and Foreign Policy
17.1 2016 Election and Rise of Populism
17.2 Domestic Policy: Tax Cuts and Immigration
17.3 Foreign Policy: "America First" and Trade Wars
17.4 COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Unrest

The "America First" foreign policy marked a shift in U.S. global engagement. It prioritized national interests over international cooperation, withdrawing from key agreements and straining alliances. This approach reshaped America's role on the world stage.

Trade tensions with China escalated, leading to tariffs and economic impacts. Meanwhile, a new approach to North Korea resulted in historic summits, though progress on denuclearization remained limited. These changes reflected a broader realignment of U.S. foreign relations.

"America First" Foreign Policy and Trade Tensions

"America First" foreign policy approach

  • Prioritizes U.S. interests over global cooperation by focusing on bilateral agreements (U.S.-Mexico) rather than multilateral deals (NAFTA)
  • Seeks to reduce U.S. involvement in international organizations (UN) and agreements (Paris Climate Agreement)
  • Strains relationships with traditional allies (NATO members) and creates uncertainty in global partnerships
  • Shifts the balance of power in various regions as the U.S. reduces its global engagement

Withdrawal from international agreements

  • Paris Climate Agreement withdrawal argued that the agreement disadvantaged the U.S. economically and raised concerns about U.S. commitment to combating climate change
  • Iran nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) withdrawal claimed Iran was not complying with terms and led to increased U.S.-Iran tensions
  • Reduced funding and engagement with the United Nations criticized the UN for being ineffective and biased against the U.S., raising questions about the U.S. role in international cooperation

Trade tensions with China

  • U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese imports aimed to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and targeted industries like technology, steel, and aluminum
  • China retaliated with tariffs on U.S. goods affecting agricultural products (soybeans), vehicles, and other exports
  • Increased costs for consumers and businesses, disrupted global supply chains, and slowed economic growth, raising concerns about a potential trade war

U.S. approach to North Korea

  • Initial escalation of tensions as North Korea continued nuclear and missile tests, while the U.S. imposed sanctions and engaged in a war of words
  • Historic summit meetings between Trump and Kim Jong-un:
  1. First meeting in Singapore (June 2018) discussed denuclearization and improving U.S.-North Korea relations
  2. Second meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam (February 2019) ended abruptly without an agreement on denuclearization
  3. Third brief meeting at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (June 2019) where Trump became the first U.S. president to set foot in North Korea
  • Limited progress on denuclearization but reduced tensions compared to the pre-summit period, raising questions about the effectiveness of personal diplomacy in resolving complex issues

Key Terms to Review (21)

Singapore Summit: The Singapore Summit refers to the historic meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, held on June 12, 2018, in Singapore. This event marked the first time a sitting U.S. president met with a North Korean leader and aimed to address nuclear disarmament and improve diplomatic relations, reflecting the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in an era focused on 'America First' and trade tensions.
Trade deficit: A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more goods and services than it exports, resulting in a negative balance of trade. This situation reflects the economic relationship between nations, often revealing insights about consumption patterns, production capabilities, and overall economic health. A persistent trade deficit can lead to increased foreign debt and dependency on foreign markets, influencing domestic industries and employment levels.
Trump: Donald Trump is a businessman and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was characterized by a focus on an 'America First' foreign policy, which prioritized U.S. interests in international relations and economic dealings, often leading to contentious trade wars with other countries.
Kim Jong-un: Kim Jong-un is the Supreme Leader of North Korea, having assumed power after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, in December 2011. He is known for his aggressive military stance, nuclear weapons program, and efforts to strengthen North Korea's economy while maintaining strict control over its political landscape. His leadership is significant in the context of shifting U.S. foreign policy and trade tensions.
Korean Demilitarized Zone: The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a buffer zone established between North and South Korea at the end of the Korean War in 1953, designed to serve as a separation between the two nations. The DMZ is one of the most fortified borders in the world, symbolizing the ongoing tension and conflict stemming from the war, and reflects broader themes in foreign policy regarding military presence and geopolitical stability in the region.
Hanoi Summit: The Hanoi Summit refers to the second meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, which took place in February 2019 in Hanoi, Vietnam. This summit was aimed at continuing diplomatic negotiations regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons program and marked an important moment in U.S.-North Korea relations within the context of shifting foreign policy priorities and international trade dynamics.
U.S.-Iran Tensions: U.S.-Iran tensions refer to the strained and often hostile relationship between the United States and Iran, marked by a series of political, military, and economic conflicts. This tension has roots in historical events, including the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the subsequent hostage crisis, and ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. These tensions have significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the context of prioritizing national interests and security concerns.
Sanctions: Sanctions are restrictive measures imposed by one country or a group of countries on another nation, often aimed at influencing behavior or punishing undesirable actions. They can take various forms, such as economic restrictions, trade barriers, or diplomatic isolation, and are often used in the context of foreign policy to protect national interests or promote international norms. The use of sanctions is frequently a tool in trade wars and reflects the broader strategy of 'America First' by prioritizing domestic concerns over international cooperation.
Trade war: A trade war is a conflict between countries characterized by the imposition of tariffs or other trade barriers on each other's goods and services. This economic confrontation typically arises from disputes over trade policies, market access, or unfair trade practices, leading to a cycle of retaliatory measures that can escalate tensions and impact global markets. Trade wars can significantly affect domestic industries, consumers, and international relations.
Tariffs: Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on imported goods and services, designed to increase their price and protect domestic industries from foreign competition. By raising the cost of imported products, tariffs can encourage consumers to purchase locally made goods, thus impacting trade balances and economic policies. They play a significant role in shaping foreign relations and trade agreements, especially in the context of protectionist strategies.
America First: America First is a foreign policy stance that prioritizes American interests and national sovereignty over international cooperation and agreements. This approach often emphasizes protectionist trade policies, skepticism of multilateral alliances, and a focus on domestic economic growth. By putting America’s needs first, the policy seeks to reduce dependency on foreign nations and enhance national security through an assertive and sometimes isolationist foreign policy framework.
Iran Nuclear Deal: The Iran Nuclear Deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is an agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and six world powers aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. The deal sought to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons while providing a framework for monitoring and verification. Its significance lies in its role in shaping international relations, particularly with regards to Middle Eastern stability and U.S. foreign policy.
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action: The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is an agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and a group of world powers, including the United States, aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. This deal sought to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons by placing strict limitations on its nuclear activities while allowing for inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The JCPOA is significant as it reflects the complexities of foreign relations, especially concerning non-proliferation, and set the stage for ongoing discussions about Iran's role in regional stability.
Paris Climate Agreement: The Paris Climate Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at addressing climate change and limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It connects to foreign policy, emphasizing multilateral cooperation and commitments among nations, which can often clash with nationalistic policies, like those promoted by 'America First' ideologies.
Global supply chains: Global supply chains refer to the networks of production, distribution, and consumption that span across multiple countries, connecting various processes and services to create goods and deliver them to consumers. These chains enable companies to source materials and labor from around the world, often resulting in lower costs and increased efficiency. However, they also make economies vulnerable to disruptions, such as trade wars and shifts in foreign policy, as countries engage in complex relationships driven by economic interests.
Economic impacts: Economic impacts refer to the effects that policies, events, or actions have on the financial systems, markets, and overall economic health of a country. This concept is particularly relevant in discussions about trade policies and international relations, as it helps to understand how decisions can influence domestic industries, employment rates, and economic growth.
North Korea: North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country in East Asia that has been governed by a totalitarian regime since its establishment in 1948. This nation is notable for its isolationist policies, nuclear weapons program, and its ongoing tensions with South Korea and the United States, particularly in the context of foreign policy strategies like 'America First' and trade wars that influence international relations and security concerns.
China: China is a populous East Asian nation that has transformed into a global economic powerhouse since the late 20th century. Its rapid industrialization and economic growth have significant implications for international trade and foreign policy, especially in the context of America’s shifting approach to global relationships and trade wars.
Isolationism: Isolationism is a foreign policy approach where a country seeks to minimize its involvement in international affairs, particularly in conflicts and alliances. This policy aims to prioritize national interests by avoiding entanglements with foreign nations and focusing on domestic issues. It has roots in America's early history and has resurfaced during various periods, notably during times of economic uncertainty or military conflict.
NAFTA: NAFTA, or the North American Free Trade Agreement, was a trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico that came into effect in 1994. It aimed to eliminate trade barriers, promote economic integration, and enhance economic cooperation among the three nations, influencing various aspects of foreign policy, economic strategies, and political movements in subsequent years.
NATO: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance established in 1949, designed for mutual defense against aggression, particularly during the Cold War. It connects North American and European countries through a commitment to collective security, shaping various aspects of international relations and military strategies throughout its history.