The first is the real war Russia started by invading Ukraine. The second is more symbolic it’s the tension Trump is creating with America’s longtime allies.
This approach isn’t helping the U.S. become stronger. In fact, if it keeps going this way, America could lose some of its global military and economic strength.
No country can handle being in conflict with everyone. Right now, the U.S. faces serious threats: Russia pushing into Europe, China growing into a powerful rival, Iran and North Korea trying to become nuclear powers, and now rebels like the Houthis causing chaos for shipping routes in the Middle East.
Instead of working with allies to defend democracy and maintain global stability, Trump and his team are doing the opposite — starting trade fights and suggesting the U.S. might not support NATO as strongly anymore. Some in Trump’s camp, like VP JD Vance, have even said Europe should handle its own defense.
This flips the usual strategy of using diplomacy, military strength, and economic power to protect U.S. interests. Instead, this strategy is weakening America globally.
Trump’s handling of Putin and the Ukraine war hasn’t helped either. He’s made concessions to Russia, hoping it would lead to peace talks, but Russia has rejected the offer and is preparing for a bigger attack. Russia is drafting 160,000 more troops — even more than last year — which shows Putin is getting ready for something big.
At the same time, Russia is stirring up trouble in the Middle East. With support from Iran, groups like the Houthis and Al-Shabaab are attacking ships and threatening U.S. forces. Russia is also backing Iran’s nuclear efforts and warning the U.S. not to strike.
In Asia, China is using this chaos to grow stronger. It just increased its military budget and is showing off its naval power with drills near Australia, in the South China Sea, and near Indonesia. The biggest move was a huge military exercise simulating an attack on Taiwan.
This means while Putin distracts Trump in Ukraine, he’s giving China room to threaten Taiwan and challenge U.S. influence in the region. Instead of splitting Russia and China, Trump’s approach is bringing them closer together.
In response to these threats, the smart move would be for Trump to rally allies and show unity. Instead, his administration is focused on economic fights and even celebrated “Liberation Day” on April 2 — a confusing message during global instability.
Europe is pushing back. The EU leader, Ursula von der Leyen, said Europe can defend itself and doesn’t need to be bullied. European countries are also turning to South Korea and France for weapons instead of relying on the U.S.
China saw this and is moving in to work with Europe economically, countering Trump’s tariffs and forming tighter trade links that could hurt U.S. businesses.
If Trump doesn’t change course, the U.S. risks losing allies, global influence, and the economic advantages it has built over decades. As the old saying goes: if you want to go fast, go alone — but if you want to go far, go together.
The U.S. still has the tools to lead and win. Trump just needs to use them wisely.
