It also reflects his unprecedented global footprint and illustrates once again that he is an American president like no other. As such, the event is something of a coming-out party that shows how his America First concept is now doing double duty on the international stage. That license, if carried out with Trump’s energy and determination, could end up undercutting the United Nations and diverting its financial and convening power. The unseemly fight underscores the fact that, despite Trump’s demands, America cannot simply impose its will and still make and keep allies. A warning sign came with how Canada reacted to Trump’s pressure on Greenland by signing a trade agreement with China.

Source: International New York Times January 21, 2026 16:07 UTC