uch can be said about US President Donald Trump, for and against. One may agree or disagree with his policies and pronouncements but most people agree that he can be quite unpredictable.

He can, on a whim, rebuke his closest allies such as Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman or show affection towards some of the global leaders most disliked in the United States, such North Korea’s Kim. He can ignore his ‘friend’ [Indian Prime Minister] Modi and casually call Chinese President Xi Jinping to propose a meeting.

It has been suggested that his style is more suited to being a leader of Russia or China rather than the United States. All said, he is energetic, steadfast and determined. Despite facing opposition from the mighty US establishment and widespread negativity from the media, he not only secured the Republican nomination but also achieved unprecedented public support.

He entered the White House with slogans like Make America Great Again and America First and boldly spoke his mind. His harshest words have been reserved for illegal immigrants. He is prepared to declare a national emergency on the southern border to achieve his stated goal of stopping illegal immigration. Despite constitutional constraints, he aims to eliminate “birthright citizenship” and limit political asylum, raising questions about his commitment to human rights.

President Trump has already made three significant and potentially dangerous moves.

First, he withdrew the US from the World Health Organisation. Earlier, the US was WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing 18-20 percent of its annual funding. The US withdrawal can significantly harm the organisation, especially as Trump’s dissatisfaction stems from the WHO’s performance during the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision will likely cause significant damage to the organisation.

Second, he seems not to have fully understood the Middle East situation. He sought credit for the temporary Gaza ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, but has already said he’s not confident it will last. “This is not our war, it’s theirs,” he said by way of explanation. “I don’t think they believe their agreement will hold.” This peace deal, which is already in three phases and was negotiated under immense pressure on both parties, may collapse if American pressure is removed. This has raised concerns that once Israeli hostages have been released, Israeli forces might re-enter Gaza.

Third, he has declared that his government will recognise only two genders, male and female. This runs counter to the developments in recent decades in the United States and elsewhere on struggle of transgender people.

President Trump claims that the US establishment has corrupted the system and stolen wealth from citizens. He says educational system ‘teaches’ children to hate the country. It seems ironic that while he resents President Biden’s pardon for some members of his family, he has himself granted pardon to a large number of his supports, including convicted felons.

Trump entered the White House with slogans like Make America Great Again and America First and boldly spoke his mind. From missions on Earth to reaching out to Mars, Trump has made his mark. His harshest words have been reserved for illegal immigrants.

The new president wants to impose trade restrictions and higher tariffs on countries traditionally seen as US allies. However, he has temporarily withdrawn the ban on TikTok. He says the Gulf of Mexico is to be called the American Gulf and he has plans to take over the operation of Panama Canal, which President Jimmy Carter had handed over to Panama in 1977. He is so miffed at the BRICS bloc that he has threatened Spain [apparently in the mistaken view that it is a BRICS member] against shifting to a currency other than the US dollar. Although the bloc includes close allies of the US such as India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, Trump is threatening to impose a hundred percent tariff on imports from these countries. This has caused a certain level of concern and unrest in India.

The Taliban, with whom the US has formally negotiated and reached an agreement, leading to the collapse of the Ashraf Ghani government, are being asked to return the weapons left behind by the Americans. The value of the equipment is estimated at around $7 billion. However, the Taliban are unwilling to return the military assets even if this should result in the cessation of grants related to human rights, women’s rights and economic assistance. They have clearly stated that they need these weapons to fight against ISIS fighters and have asked for more weapons.

Trump’s business focus is evident in his early speeches and gestures. He invited prominent business leaders to his inauguration, suggesting that he plans to govern the US with a focus on economic growth. This is reflected in the 78 executive orders he issued upon taking office, emphasising his America First policy by prioritising US interests. Tariffs and economic sanctions are likely to become frequent tools in his strategy, despite potential backlash as other nations might pay back in the same coin.

To many, America’s greatness has stemmed from its advocacy for universal human rights and its support for weaker nations and classes worldwide. If an American president prioritises narrow American interests and alienates some of its closest allies, this could undermine America’s greatness. The world expects Trump to end wars and avoid starting new ones; uphold democracy, human rights and freedoms; and advancing his global agenda in line with the American constitution.

The write, a senior journalist, columnist and lawyer, is president of the Liberal Human Forum. He can be reached at arrehan@hotmail.com