Donald Trump’s Achievements in 2017 ~ 2021, Foreign Policy

During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Donald Trump pursued a variety of high-profile foreign policy initiatives that reshaped the United States’ relationships worldwide. Below is an overview of some key achievements and the controversies that accompanied them.

1. Middle East Peace Agreements (Abraham Accords)

Historic Breakthroughs:
- Under the label of the Abraham Accords, the Trump administration brokered peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
Significance:
- These deals normalized diplomatic relations, opening pathways for trade, travel, and broader cooperation in the Middle East—a region long characterized by conflict.
Reception:
- While many hailed these accords as a historic step toward regional stability, critics noted that the underlying Israeli-Palestinian dispute remains unresolved.

2. Withdrawal from International Agreements

Paris Climate Accord (2017)
- Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, claiming the agreement placed an unfair economic burden on American businesses.
- This move sparked international concern about U.S. leadership on climate issues and was viewed by many environmental groups as a setback for global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) (2018)
- The administration exited the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reinstating economic sanctions on Iran.
- Officials argued the deal failed to address Iran’s ballistic missile program and regional influence, while critics warned the move could escalate tensions in the Middle East and potentially prompt Iran to restart its nuclear program.

3. North Korea Diplomacy

Historic Summits:
- Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to meet with a North Korean leader, holding summits with Kim Jong-un in Singapore (2018) and Hanoi (2019).
Aims:
- The administration hoped to curb North Korea’s nuclear program through personal diplomacy.
Outcome:
- While tensions temporarily eased, substantive progress on nuclear disarmament was limited, and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions continued despite dialogue.

4. Immigration Policies

Travel Ban
- Initially imposed a travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries, citing national security concerns.
- Critics labeled it a “Muslim ban,” arguing it discriminated based on religion. After multiple legal challenges, a revised version was upheld by the Supreme Court.
Border Security and the Wall
- Trump expanded border security measures, including the construction of approximately 450 miles of border wall along the U.S.-Mexico frontier.
- Supporters believed it was a necessary step to reduce illegal immigration and drug trafficking, while opponents questioned its effectiveness and humanitarian impact.
“Zero Tolerance” Policy
- Implemented a “zero tolerance” approach, leading to family separations when adults were charged with illegal entry at the border.
- The policy sparked widespread criticism at home and abroad, as images of separated families led to debates about immigration enforcement and human rights.

Closing Thoughts

Donald Trump’s foreign policy was marked by both bold initiatives and controversial decisions. From forging new Middle East alliances to walking away from international agreements, his approach sought to redefine U.S. engagements overseas. Though he received praise for disrupting long-standing diplomatic norms and pushing for novel agreements—particularly in the Middle East—his methods often drew criticism over human rights, environmental concerns, and the potential for heightened global tensions.

Whether viewed as a break from the status quo or a departure from international cooperation, these foreign policy decisions left a lasting impact on global perceptions of American leadership. As with many presidential legacies, the true consequences of these moves may continue to unfold over the coming years.