Lasting Impact of Trump's Economic Shifts on Global Trust and Trade

As Trump disrupts international norms, experts highlight the enduring ramifications for trust in the U.S. and the potential for inequality to persist beyond his presidency.

President Trump has made it evident that he aims to reshape the global economic landscape significantly, and within just 100 days, he has achieved substantial progress toward this goal. His administration has not only instigated a trade war but has also withdrawn from key treaties and suggested a reduced commitment to defending European allies. Moreover, Trump is in the process of dismantling the established governmental structures that have offered expertise and stability over decades.

The ramifications of these actions are profound and widespread. While the potential for a change in leadership within the next few years poses a question about reversing Trump’s policies, the impact on global trust in the United States may be one of the most challenging aspects to amend. Historians and political scientists argue that some outcomes of Trump's tenure could be permanent, particularly the growing skepticism toward U.S. intentions.

Ian Goldin, a professor at the University of Oxford, emphasizes that the societal issues that enabled the rise of the “Make America Great Again” movement—specifically economic insecurity and rising inequality—are unlikely to vanish anytime soon. Even with potential political changes ahead, the conditions that fueled Trump’s support are still very much alive. The concern that another leader might replicate Trump's approach in future contexts looms large both domestically and internationally, fundamentally altering global perceptions of the United States.