The foreign policy experts on his team that have become known so far are taking a tough stance towards China. Domestic policy is about implementing the mass deportation of migrants from the USA announced by President-elect Trump – and expanding oil and gas production.
Stephen Miller, who attracted attention during Trump’s first term with plans to deport migrants, is getting a position in the White House again. This time he should become deputy chief of staff to the future US president, reported the news channel CNN and the New York Times, among others. Miller will have extensive powers – but does not have to be confirmed in this position by the Senate.
At one of Trump’s campaign events, Miller shouted to the crowd: “America is for Americans – and only for Americans.” Trump will drive criminal migrants, cartels and gangs out of the country, he said. He would already be the second migration hardliner in Trump’s team after Tom Homan, who as “border czar” is supposed to oversee the mass deportation of irregularly immigrated foreigners. Homan implemented the separation of children from their parents at the US border during Trump’s first term in office.
With the personal details in foreign policy that have become known so far, it is clear that a tough position towards China – and also Iran – will become a focus of Trump’s second term in office. According to media reports, Republican Representative Mike Waltz will become national security advisor in the White House. Just a few days before the presidential election, he described China as the US’s “biggest rival” in an opinion piece in the Economist magazine. The next US president must quickly end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East in order to focus on China, he argued.
At the same time, Waltz wrote last year with a view to the Republican majority in the House of Representatives: “The era of blank checks for Ukraine from Congress is over.” European countries make an even greater contribution. At the same time, he said that the USA had the leverage against Russia to lift restrictions on the use of American weapons supplied to Ukraine.
According to media reports, Trump wants to make Senator Marco Rubio, known for his tough stance against China and Iran, his Secretary of State. The “New York Times” and the NBC broadcaster also stated that Trump could change his mind. Richard Grenell, the former US ambassador to Germany, had also been considered a promising candidate for the post in recent days.
The new US ambassador to the United Nations in New York is to be Republican MP Elise Stefanik. The 40-year-old has repeatedly appeared as a loyal ally of Trump in recent years. So Stefanik addressed his false claims about fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
The next head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also expected to be a long-time Trump supporter, former Congressman Lee Zeldin. The president-elect announced that he would make “quick and fair” decisions to relax regulations. At the same time, he will “adhere to the highest environmental standards” to ensure that the USA has the cleanest air and water on the planet.
Republican Trump denies there is a climate crisis. For his second term in office, he has announced a far-reaching expansion of domestic production of oil and natural gas. According to media reports, environmental regulations will also be relaxed so that drilling can be carried out in more areas. Trump should also once again strive for the USA to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.
After his election victory last week, Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as president for a second term on January 20th.
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Foreign Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Good evening, Dr. Thompson. Thanks for joining us today. With the recent developments regarding Donald Trump’s foreign policy positions, how do you see his approach towards China and Iran evolving in his upcoming term?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. Trump’s foreign policy team has signaled a very assertive stance towards both China and Iran. The emphasis is on treating China as the primary rival, which aligns with what we’ve seen in his previous administration. This isn’t just rhetoric; it’s backed by strategic appointments, like Republican Representative Mike Waltz as national security advisor, who has been vocal about ending the “blank checks” for Ukraine to refocus efforts on China.
**Editor:** It seems that domestic policy will also play a vital role in Trump’s agenda. How do you anticipate his plans for mass deportation will affect U.S. foreign relations, especially with neighboring countries?
**Dr. Thompson:** The focus on robust immigration enforcement under figures like Stephen Miller and Tom Homan may strain relationships with countries in Central America and Mexico as the U.S. positions itself as tougher on migration. There’s potential for increased tensions, especially if these policies lead to a perception of the U.S. as unwilling to cooperate on humanitarian grounds or support regional stability.
**Editor:** Given Trump’s plans to expand oil and gas production while relaxing environmental regulations, what impact do you foresee on climate diplomacy?
**Dr. Thompson:** Trump’s dismissive stance on the climate crisis and intentions to withdraw from the Paris Agreement send clear signals. It could alienate allies who are committed to climate action. However, from a geopolitical perspective, increased domestic energy production might be viewed as a means to bolster U.S. energy independence. It raises questions about how the U.S. will influence global climate policies while pursuing its own economic interests at potential environmental costs.
**Editor:** And looking at the new appointments for key positions, like Elise Stefanik at the UN and potential Secretary of State picks, what do you think these choices reveal about Trump’s diplomatic strategy?
**Dr. Thompson:** These appointments reflect a continuation of Trump’s “America First” strategy, where loyalty to Trump’s agenda over traditional diplomatic protocols is prioritized. By choosing those with strong loyalties to his perspective, he’s signaling a likely shift towards a more confrontational and unilateral approach in foreign policy, particularly with issues that involve international coalitions.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson. Your insights provide a clearer picture of how Trump’s second term may reshape both U.S. foreign relations and domestic policies.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these important issues.
