World leaders express a mix of admiration, concern, and criticism for President Donald Trump as his leadership continues to reshape global dynamics. In interviews with Fareed Zakaria, leaders weigh in on Trump’s approach to international relations, highlighting his “America First” policy and its implications for the global order.
While some leaders praise Trump for his directness and willingness to challenge traditional alliances, others warn that his transactional style risks undermining the global systems the United States helped build after World War II. Zakaria points out that the U.S. has historically been the primary beneficiary of the international order it created, fostering economic growth, security, and influence. However, Trump’s insistence on renegotiating trade deals, questioning the value of NATO, and reducing U.S. commitments abroad has led to uncertainty among allies and adversaries alike.
European leaders express concern over Trump’s perceived disdain for multilateralism, emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing global challenges such as climate change, security, and economic inequality. French President Emmanuel Macron warns that abandoning collective agreements weakens the West’s ability to counter rising authoritarian powers like Russia and China.
In contrast, leaders from nations that have historically felt sidelined by U.S. dominance see an opportunity in Trump’s approach. Some praise his willingness to engage directly in bilateral negotiations, bypassing traditional bureaucracies. For example, countries like Brazil and Hungary have found common ground with Trump’s nationalist rhetoric and focus on domestic priorities.
Zakaria argues that Trump’s transactionalism—treating international relationships as zero-sum deals—could harm the United States in the long term. By reducing America’s role as a stabilizing force, Trump risks eroding trust among allies and emboldening rivals. The ongoing shift from collective action to unilateral decisions raises questions about whether the U.S. can sustain its leadership role in the face of rising global challenges.
Despite the criticism, Trump remains steadfast in his belief that the U.S. has been taken advantage of in its global partnerships. He points to revised trade agreements, increased defense spending by NATO allies, and economic pressure on China as evidence of his success in rebalancing the scales.
As world leaders continue to navigate Trump’s unconventional presidency, the debate over his impact on the international order remains central to discussions about the future of global cooperation. Whether his policies strengthen or weaken the United States’ standing in the world will likely be a defining question of his legacy.
