Trump's Second Term Foreign Policy: Former Ambassador Wendy Sherman Analyzes the 'America First' Approach

Are America's allies on solid ground or thin ice? As Donald Trump's second term unfolds through 2025, former ambassador Wendy Sherman, a veteran diplomat who served under three administrations, offered her analysis of the president's foreign policy. Her comments, made in a radio interview, suggest a deepening commitment to a transactional diplomacy that prioritizes tangible deals over predictable norms.

'The Art of the Deal' and Redefined Alliances

In a December 25th interview on Morning Edition, Sherman reportedly noted that the Trump administration's focus on bilateral deals over multilateral frameworks has become more pronounced this year. This approach is seen as a direct extension of the 'America First' doctrine, re-evaluating alliances through a cost-benefit lens. Consequently, legacy security pacts like NATO face continued pressure over defense spending, while Asian allies may navigate a landscape where trade and security are increasingly intertwined.

The Unpredictability Factor

Analysts often point to unpredictability as a core tenet of President Trump's diplomatic style. Sherman's perspective appears to align with concerns that this strategy can create confusion for allies and risk miscalculation by adversaries. Decisions driven by the president's intuition on a case-by-case basis, rather than by a consistent policy doctrine, could complicate long-term strategic planning for nations around the globe.

The Trump administration, for its part, has defended this approach as a way to cut through bureaucratic red tape and achieve swift, pragmatic results. Its proponents argue that traditional alliances don't always serve U.S. interests and that a more flexible, interest-based realignment is necessary.