Trump’s new policies are weakening US soft power

Source: The post Trump’s new policies are weakening US soft power has been created, based on the article “Whittling down sources of U.S. soft power” published in “The Hindu” on 27 March 2025. Trump’s new policies are weakening US soft power.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

Context: Since Donald Trump began his second term as U.S. President in January 2025, several foreign policy decisions under the “America First” agenda have drawn global attention. These moves, though aimed at asserting power, are weakening key pillars of U.S. soft power, which relies on attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.

For detailed information on Trump’s America First Policy and Global Impact read this article here

What is U.S. Soft Power?

1. U.S. soft power means influencing others through attraction and persuasion, not force.
2. The term was coined by political scientist Joseph Nye.
3. It includes alliances, education, humanitarian aid, and values like freedom and diversity.
4. Trump’s recent policies are now damaging these core sources of influence.

Recent Trump Administration Moves Have Weakened U.S. Soft Power

1. Impact on Global Alliances: Alliances like NATO and Five Eyes have long helped build U.S. soft power. But Trump’s remarks, like annexing Greenland or Canada, have upset key partners. He criticised Japan’s alliance terms, praised North Korea’s leader, and gave unconditional support to Israel in Gaza. These actions have hurt trust in the U.S., especially in groups like the Quad. They have also reduced support from countries in the Global South.
2. Cuts to USAID and Global Messaging: USAID had a $35 billion budget, mostly for health, education, and governance, especially in Africa. Under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, only 17% of USAID programs remain. Cutting USAID has reduced U.S. presence in poor countries. U.S. also cut funds to media like Voice of America and think tanks like the Wilson Center. This weakens its global messaging and influence.
3. Protectionist Trade Policies: Trump’s new “reciprocal tariffs”, starting April 2, mark a return to protectionism. Since 1945, the U.S. supported free trade and helped set up the WTO. It even pushed for a “tariff-free world by 2015”. Now, the shift to bilateral deals and trade barriers hurts U.S. credibility. Countries like India, now in talks, are watching how the U.S. treats partners like Canada and Mexico.
4. Anti-Immigration Measures: The U.S. has always been seen as a land of immigrants. That image is fading. Trump’s team has rejected DEI policies. There are visuals of migrants being deported. Legal migration is harder. Visa and Green Card checks are stricter. A ban on birthright citizenship is in court. These changes hurt the U.S.’s image as an open and welcoming nation.
5. Pressure on U.S. Education: American universities have long drawn students from across the world. They are seen as symbols of free thought. Now, student protests face crackdowns. Some students are being deported. Universities may lose funding if they don’t follow government rules on activism. This has made the U.S. less attractive for foreign students.

Decline of U.S. Influence

Joseph Nye warns that Trump’s coercive, transactional view of power could erode U.S. soft power, just as China’s aggressive diplomacy backfired. He notes that Trump isn’t solely responsible, and that checks from courts, public opinion, and the 2026 Senate races may moderate his impact. India is advised to pace negotiations and avoid premature concessions.

Question for practice:

Examine how recent foreign policy decisions under Trump’s second term are weakening the key sources of U.S. soft power.