Trump openly meddles in foreign politics with a nationalist tilt, treating international affairs as a tool to advance his movement, a more aggressive approach than prior presidents.

This stance sits in a historical continuum of U.S. meddling, but Trump’s actions are overt rather than covert, signaling a new phase.

While meddling has precedent, his explicit and expansive strategy marks a sharper, more global effort to influence foreign political outcomes.

Notable examples cited include discussions over Netanyahu’s pardon, a 50% tariff connected to Bolsonaro’s prosecution, naval activity near Venezuela, and conditioning economic aid to Argentina’s Milei.

The White House’s national security strategy is portrayed as promoting support for far-right European parties and undermining centrist liberal governments, suggesting a destabilizing impact on liberal democracies.

The NSS is described as signaling a shift toward backing nationalist European figures and opposing Europe’s current liberal trajectory, indicating broader influence aims.

Examples include backing preferred leaders, threatening or conditioning aid, and publicly pressuring leaders such as Netanyahu, Nasry Nasralla, and Maduro.

Trump’s envisioned second-term foreign policy aims to lead a global nationalist movement spanning the Americas, Europe, and beyond, shaping politics in multiple countries.

Economic and military tools—tariffs, bailouts, and naval deployments—are depicted as levers to pressure governments and sway elections.

Beyond tariffs and bailouts, pardons and public endorsements are cited as core tactics to influence foreign leaders.

The Israel context highlights Netanyahu’s recognition of Trump’s influence, the Israel Prize, and the implications for U.S.-Israel relations.

Trump’s push to pardon Netanyahu and the resulting mutual flattery with Netanyahu illustrate strategic timing in bilateral diplomacy.