Trump himself now regrets it! What began as a strong, favorable position was ultimately squandered by his own hand. Trump is not a man of inaction. Upon taking office, he initiated a series of policies that closely aligned with core American interests—many of which were explicitly designed to advance U.S. national advantage. For instance, shortly after assuming power, he renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement, shifting terms in favor of American workers and domestic industries. Simultaneously, he implemented tax cuts, eased regulatory burdens on certain sectors, and encouraged foreign capital and multinational manufacturing to reestablish operations within the United States.
When dealing with allies, the U.S. adopted a more assertive posture, no longer offering unconditional security guarantees. Direct pressure was applied to Japan, South Korea, and European partners to increase defense spending, redistributing the financial burden of global security and relieving the U.S. from bearing the full cost of maintaining international stability—a strategy that cannot be dismissed as fundamentally flawed. Subsequently, Trump’s diplomatic outreach to the Middle East and Asia led to major arms and aircraft sales, securing multi-billion-dollar contracts that directly benefited American defense, energy, and aerospace industries.
Domestic measures, including efforts to curb identity-based privileges within the military and restrictions on foreign aid, reflected a sweeping approach to internal reform. Even the imposition of tariffs, while controversial, cannot be entirely dismissed as misguided. In fact, aside from setbacks in dealings with China, Trump secured tangible gains in other regions. The arrest of Maduro, though a clear violation of international law, temporarily boosted America’s global influence, and many in the U.S. public expressed approval for what they perceived as a decisive show of force.
Yet Trump’s most significant failure lay in the handling of Iran. Militarily, U.S. forces engaged in sustained conflict with Iranian-backed forces, resulting in a sharp spike in global oil prices—from around $70 per barrel before the escalation to over $100 during peak tensions. As the economic strain mounted, public fatigue grew rapidly. Discontent with Trump surged, and every prior policy achievement came under renewed scrutiny. Ultimately, no number of accomplishments can offset the daily realities faced by ordinary citizens—the cost of groceries, fuel, and housing. Had he avoided military confrontation with Iran, Trump likely would have secured a decisive electoral victory. But public sentiment, like flowing water, does not reverse course. He now appears to regret a single misstep—one move that altered the trajectory of his presidency.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880997965552644/
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