Trump makes mark on world stage
Global community sometimes reacted in shock, dismay
President Trump vowed he would put “America First” in world affairs, even if it disrupted the way the world operated. And boy, did he. Here are ways he snubbed world conventions and provoked international outcries:
Took call from Taiwan’s leader
As president-elect, Trump broke with diplomatic tradition and angered China when he took a congratulatory phone call from Taiwan’s democratically elected president, Tsai Ing-wen. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province, and the United States does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Trump soothed mainland China’s fury by reaffirming that the communist regime in Beijing is the only legitimate government of the country.
Pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership
On Jan. 23, his first workday in office, Trump pulled the United States out of a major trade pact negotiated by President Obama with 11 countries that border the Pacific Ocean. Trump called the withdrawal “a great thing for the American worker.” The other nations vowed to push ahead on the agreement.
Vowed to scrap NAFTA
The same day, the White House said Trump would renegotiate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada to stop U.S. companies from moving plants and eliminating American jobs. If a new accord could not be reached that was fairer to U.S. workers and reduced the trade deficit, Trump said, he would withdraw. Both U.S. neighbors have resisted major changes, and talks continue.
Imposed travel ban
In his first week in office, Trump issued a travel ban on people from eight countries, including six that have Muslim-majority populations. Federal courts blocked the ban, the list of countries changed, and the Supreme Court approved the latest version, which affects Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Chad. Legal challenges continue.
Battled NATO over money
In his first meeting with NATO allies in May, Trump scolded their “chronic underfunding” of the alliance and refused to explicitly endorse the mutual defense clause of the treaty. In June, Trump affirmed the U.S. commitment to aid any of the 28 NATO nations if they were attacked. He did so after other NATO leaders said they would maintain a collective self-defense without U.S. support.
Pulled out of Paris climate accord
Trump ordered the government in June to stop implementing the Obamaera Paris climate agreement, which called for the United States and other nations to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Trump, who has disputed a scientific consensus that human activity causes higher temperatures, said he would be willing to renegotiate a deal “that’s more fair” to the United States. Trump’s actions, making the United States the lone holdout from the global accord, drew condemnations from other leaders.
Threatened war with North Korea
Trump used incendiary threats about war with North Korea in August that departed from the more restrained language other presidents have used and sparked international fears of a conflict. After North Korea said it would fire missiles in the direction of Guam, a U.S. territory, Trump responded that “North Korea ... will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.” North Korea did not follow through on its threat. Trump traded insults with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, calling him “little Rocket Man” and “a sick puppy.” Kim called Trump “a dotard.”
Repudiated the Iran nuclear deal
Trump refused in October to certify that Iran is complying with the agreement in 2015 between Iran and six world powers that lifted sanctions in return for limits on Iran’s nuclear program. Trump left it up to Congress whether to reimpose sanctions on Iran. China, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom said they would continue to honor the accord.
Recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
Trump’s formal recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital angered Muslim nations and drew a rebuke from 128 countries at the United Nations last week. Only seven nations joined the United States and Israel in voting against the U.N. resolution. The resolution reaffirmed that Jerusalem’s future should be decided in negotiations between Israel and Palestinians, who see East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian nation.