In the world of diplomacy, few figures have disrupted traditional alliances quite like Donald Trump. As the former and now returning President of the United States, Trump’s approach to foreign policy continues to raise eyebrows around the world. His doctrine? Relationships are transactional — loyalty follows alignment with American interests, on his terms.
While his “America First” philosophy may have once seemed like a bold strategic pivot, it’s increasingly being viewed as volatile and opportunistic. As Trump returns to the Oval Office, familiar global players like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and tech billionaire Elon Musk are distancing themselves, while Trump cozies up to unexpected allies.
Let’s break down how Trump’s shifting foreign allegiances are creating diplomatic tremors and redefining America’s role in global affairs.
The Modi-Trump Romance Has Cooled Off
During Trump’s first term, his camaraderie with Indian PM Narendra Modi was on full display — think grand spectacles like “Howdy Modi” in Houston and “Namaste Trump” in Ahmedabad. The chemistry between the two leaders seemed undeniable. But when it came to actual policy, Trump repeatedly undercut India.
He removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a program that allowed duty-free exports into the U.S., and demanded trade terms that New Delhi found unworkable. Meanwhile, India continued to deepen ties with Russia and push its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) agenda, signaling a move toward strategic autonomy.
Then came “Operation Sindoor,” during which Trump’s open support for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felt like a diplomatic betrayal to New Delhi. For India, it was a sobering reminder: Trump’s loyalties aren’t based on past friendship but on current convenience.
From Putin’s Friend to Fierce Critic
Trump has long faced accusations of being too soft on Vladimir Putin. Their seemingly warm rapport was the subject of intense media scrutiny, even as Trump’s administration imposed sanctions on Moscow.
However, in the wake of the Ukraine war, Trump’s tone toward Putin has dramatically shifted. He recently referred to the Russian leader as “crazy” and warned that Putin was “playing with fire.” Unsurprisingly, this rhetoric didn’t sit well in the Kremlin, and U.S.-Russia relations under Trump 2.0 have further deteriorated.
What’s fueling this turnaround? Analysts say it’s Trump’s attempt to balance criticism of the war in Ukraine with his need to appear tough on authoritarian regimes. But as always with Trump, the motive seems less ideological and more tactical.
Elon Musk: From Advisor to Outsider
Once one of Trump’s closest business allies, Elon Musk now keeps his distance. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO had served on Trump’s economic advisory council but parted ways over disagreements on climate policy and COVID-19 handling.
Their relationship took another twist when Twitter banned Trump post-January 6. Musk later bought the platform and reinstated Trump’s account, yet the warmth didn’t return. Instead, Trump appointed Musk as head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a move seen as symbolic rather than substantive.
Musk publicly criticized Trump’s massive spending bill — sarcastically dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” — claiming it would explode the national deficit. It’s clear that while Musk and Trump share a disdain for bureaucracy, their visions for America’s future have diverged.
Ukraine’s Zelensky: From Mockery to Moderation
Volodymyr Zelensky’s rapport with Trump has been anything but stable. At the height of Trump’s friendship with Putin, the Ukrainian president was often treated with indifference — or worse, used as a pawn in Washington politics. Remember the infamous call that led to Trump’s first impeachment?
Now, with Trump at odds with Putin, his attitude toward Zelensky has softened. But it’s hard to know how long that truce will last. Trump’s foreign policy tends to pivot based on headlines, not principles.
Kim Jong-un, Netanyahu, and MBS: Trump’s Unlikely Allies
Trump made history by stepping into North Korea for a photo-op with Kim Jong-un, signaling a thaw no one expected. Yet real denuclearization never followed. Similarly, he moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem — a controversial move celebrated by Israel — but has since prioritized defense deals with Arab nations like Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the Saudi Crown Prince, remains one of Trump’s closest foreign partners. Even after the global outcry over journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, Trump stood by MBS, citing economic and strategic interests.
Trump’s diplomacy is deeply rooted in transactionalism: arms deals, oil negotiations, and optics often trump human rights or democratic values.
Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa: From Foe to Friend?
Perhaps the most shocking pivot has been Trump’s outreach to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Once labeled a war criminal and target of U.S. airstrikes, Ahmed al-Sharaa now finds himself in Trump’s warmer orbit. This surprising turn reflects Trump’s willingness to flip narratives if it means sidelining Iran or countering Russian influence in the region.
No Permanent Friends, Only Permanent Interests
If one thing’s clear, it’s that Donald Trump’s foreign policy has no fixed anchors. His decisions aren’t bound by ideology, tradition, or even past commitments. Instead, they revolve around deals, optics, and immediate gain.
This unpredictability may give the U.S. short-term leverage but also raises long-term concerns about credibility and trust. For world leaders and global businesses alike, one thing is certain: With Trump, today’s friend could be tomorrow’s rival — and vice versa.
