Is Trump Winning for America or Just Himself?
Gaza and Ukraine Will Test If Trump Is a True Leader or Just a Bully
During his recent visit to Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and top EU official Ursula von der Leyen, showing off America’s power with grand gestures like flying his guests around on Air Force One and visiting his luxury golf clubs. But behind the spectacle, serious questions arise about whether Trump’s “wins” are truly good for America and the world or if they’re just displays of personal power and bullying.
In his second term, Trump has pushed his “America First” agenda hard. He has pressured NATO countries to increase military spending, launched trade deals focused on tariffs, sent bombers to pressure Iran, and cracked down on immigration. He has also taken strong control at home, forcing Congress and other institutions to follow his lead.
But are these “wins” real victories or just political theater? And what will happen to America’s relationships with allies over the long term?
Trump’s true leadership will be judged on three key issues:
1. Gaza Famine:
After seeing heartbreaking images of starving children in Gaza, Trump promised to help feed them by setting up food centers. This surprised many since Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had denied starvation in Gaza. Yet Trump gave few details on how aid would reach civilians in a war zone. Some wonder if this promise is a genuine shift or a political move to avoid blame for the crisis.
2. Ukraine War:
Trump expressed frustration that Russian President Vladimir Putin ignored his peace offers and warned of a deadline for action. If Trump follows through by punishing Russia with tough sanctions, he could weaken Moscow’s war efforts. But this could also upset major powers like China and India, risking global economic fallout. Whether Trump will act decisively or back down remains a key question.
3. Trade Deals:
Trump hailed a new trade framework with the European Union as his “biggest deal ever,” imposing tariffs on European goods. Europeans called it a surrender to U.S. demands, but some say it’s a pragmatic move to avoid a full trade war. The deal is not fully detailed, and the EU is playing a longer strategic game. Trump’s trade policies are controversial and may hurt both U.S. consumers and international allies.
Trump’s style is all about winning and showing strength. But this approach risks alienating America’s closest friends and damaging long-standing alliances. U.S. leadership after World War II depended on strong partnerships with other democracies, partnerships that are now being strained.
Some experts warn that Trump’s “America First” moves could encourage other countries to leave the U.S.-led global order or create rival alliances. Even some of Trump’s supposed wins, like tariffs, may harm the U.S. economy in the long run by raising costs for American consumers.
Will Trump prove himself a true global leader who can handle crises in Gaza and Ukraine and secure fair trade deals or will he continue to rule by bullying and spectacle? The coming weeks and months will reveal if his “winning streak” builds lasting strength or damages America’s place in the world.