Trump Finds Retreating From World Stage Is Easier Said Than Done

 https://www.newsweek.com/america-first-trump-foreign-policy-russia-ukraine-iran-2097302

When Donald Trump campaigned for the presidency in 2016, 2020 and 2024, he made one overarching promise to voters: no more costly overseas entanglements.

"I think Trump's policy is very much, I don't want to call it pragmatic, but it depends on the situation," said Henri J. Barkey, an adjunct senior fellow at CFR who previously worked at the State Department during the Clinton administration.

"If he decides, 'this is good for me,' he'll do it. I think that's the most important criteria. The most important criteria is how does this affect his prospects, his own vision of himself, but also how will it play with the public at home?"

Graham contrasted Trump's leadership style with past presidents who focused on building alliances and spreading values, saying his strategy is "much more transactional."

"He thinks of global affairs as bilateral competitions and he wants to win every competition."