How Trump’s Re-Election Will Impact Ukraine, The Middle East and China

By Violet Berman ‘27
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With former U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, global politics are set to shift. His approach to Ukraine, the Middle East and China could bring significant changes to U.S. foreign policy.

Trump’s first term in 2016 was defined by his “America First” policy which emphasized reducing U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts, renegotiating trade deals and prioritizing American economic and security interests over international alliances and commitments. 
In his 2016 foreign policy speech, he declared, “We’re going to finally have a coherent foreign policy based upon American interests and the shared interests of our allies.”
During his first term, Trump often questioned U.S. alliances, criticizing NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) for what he saw as unfair burden-sharing among member countries.
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has been a significant issue in global security, with the U.S. providing billions of dollars in military, humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine. Trump has shown interest in negotiating with Russia, suggesting he could end the war “within 24 hours.”

In a campaign rally in Wisconsin, Trump said, “I will have [the Ukraine-Russia] war finished and done and settled before I get to the White House as president-elect. I will get that done.”
Trump plans to end the war and suggested overseeing a deal. However, he would not disclose any information about the plan. 
Trump may plan to advocate for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, possibly meaning a deal that recognizes Russia’s control over Crimea and other areas that have been taken since 2022. 
He may also agree to Russia’s demand to block Ukraine from joining NATO or pressure European allies to make a deal with Putin. Along with criticism of NATO, the President-elect even threatened to pull out of the alliance.
Senior Daniella Lofstock explains, “I believe Trump has a role to fulfill as the next American President. His decisions and power has the ability to resolve multiple conflicts and achieve peace for American allies at war.”
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelinsky, posted on X congratulating Trump for his election victory. Furthermore, he posted, “I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs.”
Zelensky is hopeful about a future Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership and ways Trump can put an end to Russia’s aggression on Ukraine. 
Trump’s stance on military conflict has been clear throughout his campaigns. In his victory speech, he said, “They said he will start a war. I’m not going to start a war, I’m going to stop wars.”
Additionally, Trump’s approach to the Middle East has been characterized by his strong support for Israel and Israel’s right to defend itself. 
Trump has implied that he will put an end to the Israel-Hamas and Israel-Hezbollah wars by promising to bring “peace” to Israel. He has repeatedly stated that if he had been President instead of President Joe Biden, his "maximum pressure" placed on Iran, the organization's financing source, would have prevented Hamas from attacking Israel.
Trump will likely return to his previous policies regarding Iran including withdrawing the US from the Iran nuclear deal and imposing stricter sanctions on the country.
In Trump’s first term, he enforced pro-Israel policies, relocated the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. 
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu posted that Trump’s election victory was “history’s greatest comeback.” Furthermore, when Netanyahu reacted to Trump’s Mideast peace plan, he called Trump “the best friend that Israel has ever had in the White House.”
He has a complex relationship with Netanyahu but can influence and pressure him when needed. Trump also has connections with leaders of Arab nations, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who have connections with Hamas, as well as the Palestinian Authority. 
However, according to the Post, Trump reportedly told the Israeli Prime Minister “Do what you have to do.” Mark Dubowitz, the president of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, explained Trump’s acknowledgment of Israel’s decision to continue fighting militarily with its enemies. 
To stop the war as he promised, Trump will decide what steps he needs to take for the return of the hostages held by Hamas. 
Sophomore Alma Adiel says, “America’s intervention in the Israel-Hamas war is crucial to Israel’s victory. I hope Trump will make the correct decisions as President to ensure the hostages’ return and an end to Hamas and Hezbollah.”
America's strategy toward China is its most crucial foreign policy focus and it has significant consequences for global security and international trade.
China and America compete to be described as the world's strongest power.
Trump has expressed that he wants to go to a trade war with China by putting prominent taxes on Chinese imports. Trump proposed a 60% tariff on all Chinese imports and tariffs up to 20% on other foreign imports.
Senior Ari Jacobs is not fond of Trump’s plan, he expressed “Personally, I think this is a terrible idea because it will make all products from China significantly more expensive for us, leading to higher costs for consumers.”
However, many companies in the U.S. have already decided to reduce their production in China as they fear new taxes and have shifted operations to countries like Vietnam or Cambodia.  
At a rally, Trump stated, “We are going to be so tough, and if a country is not going to behave, we’re going to tariff the hell out of that country.” Trump also called himself  “a Tariff Man.”
With growing military tensions between China and Taiwan, Trump’s presidency may include a decision on whether the United States will help defend Taiwan if they go to war with China. 
In October, Trump said he would not need to use military force to stop a Chinese blockade on Taiwan if he were to win the election, claiming President Xi knew he was "crazy." Instead, he would proceed with a trade war and place severe tariffs on China.
Trump’s return to the White House could lead to significant changes in U.S. foreign policy. His approach to Ukraine, the Middle East and China will influence America's global status and relationships, with the potential to reshape how the U.S. interacts with other countries.