US President Donald Trump's second term is being shaped by his foreign policy ambitions.

US President Donald Trump's second term is being shaped by his foreign policy ambitions.

The “America First” agenda has accelerated significantly during President Donald Trump’s second term, moving from rhetoric to high-profile military and economic action as 2026 begins. The most recent and surprising development has been a return to more aggressive, interventionist policies in the Western Hemisphere, accompanied by a radical restructuring of global trade. 1. Captivity of Nicolas Maduro (January 2026) In a move that shocked the international community, the Trump administration launched a military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the early days of January 2026. Action: U.S. forces arrested Maduro in Caracas and took him to New York to face charges of drug terrorism. Strategy: Trump said a U.S. team would “run” Venezuela during a period of transition. Critics have called it a "return to petro-imperialism," as Trump has often cited Venezuela's vast oil reserves as a primary motivation for intervention. ​Regional impact: Trump has used it as a warning to other regional leaders in Colombia and Cuba, hinting at a "Monroe Doctrine" approach in which the United States would reestablish complete dominance over the region. ​2. Ukraine and Russia: The Elusive Deal ​Despite Trump's campaign promise to end the war "within 24 hours," the conflict remains unresolved as of early 2026. ​Leaked plan: A report on a joint U.S.-Russia peace plan was released in late 2025. However, Ukrainian President Zelensky recently noted that while a deal is "90% ready," the final 10% involves territorial concessions that Ukraine currently refuses to accept. ​Trump vs. Zelensky: Tensions have risen between Washington and Kiev. Trump has publicly questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, citing the lack of recent elections in Ukraine, which often reflects the rhetoric used by the Kremlin. ​3. Trade and “civilizational damage” ​Trump has pushed the United States to its highest tariffs in more than a century, fundamentally altering global supply chains. ​Targeting Europe: The new 2025 National Security Strategy specifically warns Europe against “civilizational damage,” calling on European allies to restore “self-reliance” and move away from reliance on U.S. security without paying their “fair share.” ​China conflict: While maintaining frequent personal contact with Xi Jinping, Trump has imposed sweeping new tariffs and technology restrictions to “disconnect” the two economies, particularly on key minerals and semiconductors. ​4. Major diplomatic shifts ​Withdrawal: The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris climate agreement for the second time. ​Quad: In a rare sign of continuity, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has prioritized the “Quad” (United States, India, Japan, Australia) to monitor Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific. ​Middle East: The administration has designated the region as a “declining priority,” focusing on “shifting the burden” to local allies and avoiding long-term “nation-building.” ​Summary of Trump’s 2026 foreign policy tools