Inside Trump’s Mind
Asharq Al-Awsat, London, November 13
In the wake of his re-election, President Trump has provided early insights into his revised foreign policy approach, offering a window into his mindset. The most striking indication has been the exclusion of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Governor Nikki Haley from his current administration. Trump announced their exclusion on his Truth Social platform, although it was an announcement he wasn’t obligated to make. Typically, presidents do not publicly declare whom they intend to exclude. Reports suggest that Trump felt compelled to express his dissatisfaction with Pompeo and Haley due to their perceived lack of support following his previous electoral defeat. This reflects a man uninterested in reconciliation with those he believes wronged him. Haley, notably, was the last formidable challenger he faced before winning the Republican nomination. “Trump is in no mood to forgive,” observers note, regarding those who he feels betrayed him. While this may hold some truth, it is not the core reason for their exclusion. Trump appears less driven by vengeance, particularly following his conciliatory remarks about Harris after her loss. His sweeping victory seemingly served as a balm, healing past affronts to his dignity. The real intent behind this move is to send a clear signal: Pompeo and Haley, will not influence his new policy trajectory—a departure from his previous term, which was marred by a chaotic blending of contradictory policies. He simultaneously antagonized Iran and courted North Korea. Pompeo endorses the liberal order and champions the preservation of American global dominance, a stance that grates on the nerves of Trump’s new inner circle, including Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson (who has leveled intense criticisms toward Pompeo, branding him a criminal). This vocal entourage targets individuals they derisively label as warmongers and pushes for an end to support for Ukraine, a swift settlement with Russia, and a reevaluation of commitments to NATO and other international bodies. This aligns with Trump’s assertions that he intends to be a peacemaker moving forward—his campaign hinged on the claim that wars emerged in his absence from the White House, and he will purportedly resolve them and restore global peace swiftly. In pursuit of fulfilling these assurances, Trump seems keen on assuming a kingmaker role in the selection of his successor, prioritizing economic prosperity over embroiling the US in another conflict that could tarnish his legacy. However, segments of the intellectual and political elite, as well as members of the Republican Party, voice apprehensions over this approach. They argue it risks sowing further instability in the global order. Critics insist that Musk and his coterie lack both foreign policy acumen and a realistic grasp of global dynamics, viewing international relations through an impractical lens of great power rivalry. They argue that the relative peace of recent decades, absent catastrophic wars, owes to a dominant liberal capitalist order shaping the world. With America’s influence waning amid the ascent of new powers, they warn of a return to major conflicts reminiscent of the early 20th century. The question remains: Will Trump Jr. and Musk decisively shape Trump’s foreign policy thinking, or will he confront the hard truths that have often thwarted the ambitions of his predecessors, who entered office with idealistic visions only to find implementation fell short of expectation? —Mamdouh Al-Muhaini (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
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