Trump’s inauguration: What will ‘America First’ policy bring? / Use disruptive power to solve challenges

He has no hesitation in publicly stating that he will become a “dictator” and is trying to force to their knees even countries that are friendly with his nation in order to promote his “America First” policy. This unusual U.S. president has returned to power after a four-year absence.

Will he destabilize the international order and democracy that the United States itself has led? An era filled with uncertainty has begun once again.

Shifting from Biden’s approach

Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States.

Due to severe cold weather, the venue for the inauguration ceremony was changed from outside the U.S. Capitol to indoors for the first time in 40 years. The inauguration, witnessed only by invited guests, seemed to symbolize his inward-looking second-term administration bolstered by yes-men who have pledged their loyalty to Trump.

In his inaugural speech, Trump reiterated that he will “put America first.” He can be said to have made clear that there will be a shift from the approach of international cooperation taken by the administration of former President Joe Biden to isolationism, based on Trump’s unique worldview that the United States has been exploited by other countries.

As a measure against illegal immigrants, Trump said he will declare a “national emergency” in the Mexican border areas and indicated a policy of sending U.S. troops there. It is highly unusual to mobilize troops for a domestic mission that should be carried out by National Guard personnel.

To make the United States less dependent on other countries’ energy resources, his administration has decided to increase production of domestic oil and natural gas and to withdraw again from the Paris Agreement, an international framework to combat global warming. This will inevitably set back global environmental efforts.

On the economic front, Trump stated that the United States would “tax foreign countries” and announced the establishment of the “External Revenue Service.” After his speech, he also reiterated his intention to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada.

The tariffs are believed to be meant to put pressure on the two countries, based on a view that there is a problematic influx of illegal immigrants and illegal drugs from both countries.

However, there are concerns that using tariffs as a weapon to promote protectionist policies will not be able to create enough jobs and may instead reignite inflation. This approach may become an obstacle to the realization of his pledge to “Make America Great Again.”

Impact of naming ultrarich to major posts

Along with the “America First” policy, Trump’s obsession with retaliation is believed to be a driving force behind the new president.

He has indicated that his failure to win reelection in the 2020 presidential election and his guilty verdict on criminal charges were the result of the “persecution of a political opponent” by the Democratic administration and state institutions. Trump will review the system of judiciary authorities and put entrepreneur Elon Musk in charge of reforming the bureaucracy.

However, Trump’s return to the presidency was supported mainly by ordinary people who are struggling with high prices. Will appointing particular ultrarich people to important posts not betray the expectations of his supporters?

In addition, on his first day in office, Trump issued a spate of executive orders that do not require congressional approval, in line with his declaration that he would be a “dictator,” and he granted pardons to his supporters and others involved in the storming and occupying of the Capitol four years ago.

Although executive orders have often been issued by past presidents, if abused, they will distort the rule of law. The Republican Party holds a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is hoped that Trump will take advantage of this favorable political environment to implement his policies democratically.

In the area of diplomacy, Trump has shaken the international community with his unorthodox statements. Mentioning the Panama Canal in his inaugural speech, he said, “We’re taking it back.” He also has expressed territorial ambitions toward the Danish territory of Greenland.

Actions that seem to threaten other countries with military power or economic sanctions are unacceptable.

However, it is also true that China has been boosting its influence in Greenland and Panama, threatening the interests of the United States and other countries.

Although Trump’s ideas and speaking style are aggressive and risky, the possibility cannot be ruled out that he is doing this as a bargaining chip for a more important “deal.” It is necessary to carefully probe his true intentions and respond calmly.

In fact, Trump’s threat that “all hell” would break out if a ceasefire was not reached over the war in the Palestinian territory of Gaza ultimately was a strong encouragement for the Islamist group Hamas and Israel to reach an agreement.

Seek path to stable Japan-U.S. relations

Meanwhile, it is realistic that Trump has accepted that six months will be needed to reach a ceasefire over the war in Ukraine. There are limits to the efforts to resolve various situations, which rely on direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders.

If Trump’s unpredictable behavior and disruptive power are utilized to make progress on challenging issues, that could produce good results. To that end, however, it is essential for the democratic camp, including Japan and Europe, to unite in an effort to keep the United States within the framework of international cooperation.

Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya became the first Japanese foreign minister to attend an inauguration ceremony of a U.S. president. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba should realize a visit to the United States in February and a meeting with Trump to stabilize Japan-U.S. relations.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 22, 2025)