Story perspectives

Trump's Policies Weaken U.S. Global Influence, Experts Warn

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Salve Regina University professor Jim Ludes says U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies reshape the international order.
Ludes notes the Greenland claim and Venezuela intervention undermine diplomatic norms and strain US-European ties.
Ludes says European nations weigh own nuclear deterrents due to diminished trust in U.S. security commitments.
Ludes warns that Trump’s humanitarian aid cuts weaken U.S. soft power, potentially letting China and Russia fill the gap.

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Story summary

Salve Regina University professor Jim Ludes says U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies reshape the international order.
Ludes notes the Greenland claim and Venezuela intervention undermine diplomatic norms and strain US-European ties.
Ludes says European nations weigh own nuclear deterrents due to diminished trust in U.S. security commitments.
Ludes warns that Trump’s humanitarian aid cuts weaken U.S. soft power, potentially letting China and Russia fill the gap.