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Trump Signals Return to Transactional Foreign Policy

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 21:47 GMT by CNN
      Locales: UNITED STATES, COLOMBIA, VENEZUELA, GREENLAND

Trump's Echoes: A Looming Return to Transactional Foreign Policy

Washington, D.C. - Former President Donald Trump's recent resurgence on the campaign trail has been accompanied by pointed pronouncements on Greenland, Venezuela, and Colombia, igniting debate among foreign policy experts. These aren't isolated remarks; they paint a clear picture of a potential return to the assertive, often unilateral, and fundamentally transactional foreign policy that defined his first term. While some dismiss these as mere campaign rhetoric, a deeper analysis reveals a deliberate strategy designed to contrast his perceived strength with what he characterizes as the weakness of the current administration.

The Greenland Gambit: More Than Just a Purchase?

Trump's renewed fascination with Greenland, recalling his 2019 pursuit of acquiring or leasing the territory from Denmark, is more than a quirky anecdote. It represents a core tenet of his foreign policy worldview: the belief that national interests can be pursued aggressively, even at the expense of established diplomatic norms. While the 2019 overture was widely ridiculed and rejected, Trump's reiteration of interest signals a willingness to revisit unorthodox approaches. The strategic rationale, beyond the potential for resource control (the island is rich in minerals) and geopolitical positioning in the Arctic, lies in demonstrating a willingness to challenge the status quo.

The legality and practicality of such a move remain dubious. International law staunchly protects territorial sovereignty, and a forceful attempt to acquire Greenland would undoubtedly fracture relations with Denmark, a key NATO ally. However, for Trump, the appearance of strength and decisive action may outweigh the practical drawbacks. The Arctic is becoming increasingly important as climate change opens up new shipping lanes and resource exploitation opportunities, raising the stakes for strategic control. The idea, while seemingly outlandish, speaks to a broader ambition: to reshape the geopolitical landscape according to American priorities.

Venezuela: A Refusal to Move Past Regime Change

Trump's continued support for Juan Guaido, despite the erosion of his political influence and the consolidation of Nicolas Maduro's power, underscores his unwavering commitment to regime change in Venezuela. This contrasts sharply with the Biden administration's cautious approach of engaging in limited dialogue with the Maduro government, primarily focused on humanitarian concerns and energy security. While the Biden administration acknowledges the dire human rights situation in Venezuela, it prioritizes a pragmatic approach aimed at preventing further regional instability.

Trump's insistence on intervention, even military, reflects a deep frustration with the lack of progress toward democratic reforms. Critics argue this approach is not only ineffective but also counterproductive, potentially exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and further destabilizing the region. However, it appeals to a segment of the electorate who view Maduro's regime as illegitimate and a threat to US interests. The issue of Venezuelan oil reserves also plays a role; Trump consistently framed access to these resources as a key benefit of regime change.

Colombia: Undermining Peace for Security?

Colombia presents a different facet of Trump's potential return to power. His skepticism towards the country's peace process, prioritizing security concerns and drug trafficking, threatens to unravel years of delicate negotiations between the Colombian government and various armed groups. The Biden administration, in contrast, has emphasized supporting Colombia's efforts to consolidate peace and address the root causes of conflict through a comprehensive approach.

Trump's focus on a "tougher" approach - potentially involving increased military aid and a crackdown on drug cartels - risks reigniting violence and undermining the fragile progress achieved. This aligns with his broader narrative of prioritizing immediate security concerns over long-term peacebuilding initiatives. While combating drug trafficking is a legitimate concern, experts warn that a purely militaristic approach often proves ineffective and can have unintended consequences, such as displacing vulnerable populations and fueling further instability.

A Deliberate Strategy: 'America First' Reasserted

Analysts widely agree that these statements aren't accidental. They are carefully calibrated to energize Trump's base and present him as a strong, decisive leader capable of "fixing" problems that he argues have been mishandled by the current administration. This "America First" philosophy, prioritizing national interests above international cooperation, remains central to his political identity.

Whether these pronouncements will translate into concrete policy changes remains to be seen. However, they serve as a stark warning of a potential return to a more confrontational and transactional approach to foreign policy, one that prioritizes perceived strength and unilateral action over diplomacy and multilateralism. The international community is bracing for a possible return of the unpredictable dynamics that characterized Trump's first term, and the implications for global stability are significant.