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Trump's Foreign Policy Under Scrutiny Amidst Nomination Bid

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. policy-under-scrutiny-amidst-nomination-bid.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 0:12 GMT by HuffPost
      Locales: New York, Florida, Washington, UNITED STATES

Des Moines, Iowa - February 5th, 2026 - As Donald Trump intensifies his bid for the Republican nomination, a growing chorus of voices, even from within his traditional media support base, are questioning his grasp of and success in foreign policy. Recent commentary from Fox News analyst Holden Ford Jr. has ignited a debate, highlighting concerns that the former president struggles to articulate achievements in international affairs and that his previous policies were detrimental to U.S. interests.

Ford Jr.'s statements, made during a segment on "America Reports," revealed that Trump reportedly struggled to identify even a single successful foreign policy initiative during a conversation. This claim, while anecdotal, has resonated with observers who have long critiqued Trump's unconventional and often disruptive approach to global diplomacy. The inability to highlight positive outcomes, Ford Jr. argued, is a significant deficiency for any potential commander-in-chief.

Specifically, Ford Jr. pointed to several key events during the Trump administration as examples of policy missteps. The trade war with China, initiated with the intention of leveling the playing field, is now largely viewed as a mixed bag - inflicting economic pain on both countries with limited long-term benefits. The withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, a landmark agreement negotiated by multiple world powers, is often cited as a destabilizing force in the Middle East, potentially accelerating Iran's nuclear program and escalating regional tensions. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, marked by a rushed exit and the swift collapse of the Afghan government, remains a deeply controversial episode, damaging U.S. credibility and leaving a humanitarian crisis in its wake.

Ford Jr. contends that these actions collectively alienated long-standing allies, eroded America's global standing, and ultimately compromised national security. The traditional alliances built over decades - with NATO, Japan, South Korea, and others - were strained under Trump's "America First" doctrine, which prioritized bilateral deals and often disregarded multilateral cooperation. Critics argue that this isolationist approach weakened the international order and created opportunities for adversaries.

In contrast, Ford Jr. highlighted President Biden's efforts to rebuild alliances, particularly in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine and rising Chinese influence. The Biden administration has prioritized strengthening relationships with NATO partners, investing in international organizations, and working collaboratively with allies to address shared challenges. The unwavering support for Ukraine, including significant military and economic aid, has been presented as a demonstration of U.S. leadership and commitment to defending democratic values.

However, the debate extends beyond simply contrasting two administrations. Some analysts argue that the very nature of "foreign policy success" is subjective and difficult to measure. Factors such as geopolitical shifts, economic trends, and domestic political considerations all play a role in shaping international outcomes. It's easy to point to failures, but attributing success or failure solely to one administration is often an oversimplification.

Furthermore, Trump's supporters maintain that his policies, while unconventional, were designed to protect American interests and prioritize the needs of the American people. They argue that he challenged the status quo, exposed unfair trade practices, and forced allies to contribute more to collective security. They also credit him with brokering normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, a rare diplomatic achievement.

The internal disagreement within Fox News itself, revealed by the panel's debate following Ford Jr.'s comments, underscores the complexities of evaluating Trump's foreign policy legacy. While some hosts defended his approach, others echoed Ford Jr.'s concerns, suggesting a growing rift within the conservative media landscape. This internal friction is likely to intensify as the 2024 election approaches and the stakes become higher.

As Trump continues to campaign in early primary states like Iowa, the scrutiny of his foreign policy record will only increase. Voters are increasingly focused on issues of global security and the role of the United States in the world. His ability to convincingly articulate a coherent and credible vision for American leadership on the international stage will be crucial to his chances of regaining the Republican nomination and potentially winning back the White House.