Donald Trump is taking decisive steps to reshape U.S. foreign policy, demonstrated through his administration's decision to rejoin the Geneva Consensus Declaration, introduce significant immigration reforms, and prepare to fold the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the State Department.
According to Valerie Huber, the president of the Washington-based Institute for Women’s Health and one of the initiators of the Geneva Consensus, Trump's administration's newfound membership is pivotal. "Without Hungary, the international coalition created by the document would no longer exist," she said, highlighting Hungary's growing importance within this framework following its acceptance as the secretariat.
Initially signed by five nations, including Hungary, the Geneva Consensus Declaration asserts each nation's sovereign right to legislate health policies and promote family protection. Huber noted, "This decision was also an indication of US foreign policy would change greatly compared to the previous four years.” This shift indicates Trump's apparent prioritization of family and health policies, which contrasts starkly with his predecessor Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the declaration.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is also set to implement significant immigration reforms, with plans to deport approximately 5,144 Nigerians currently living illegally in the United States. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has stated the Nigerian government is prepared to welcome back its citizens. Abike Dabiri, chairperson and CEO of NiDCOM, confirmed, "The Federal Government has set up an inter-agency committee, comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs... should there be mass deportation of Nigerians from the US." This initiative appears aimed at managing the expected influx of returnees amid rising tensions surrounding Trump's stricter immigration policies.
The deportation plans have raised concerns, particularly from nations like Colombia and Brazil, where reports of degrading treatment during repatriation flights have emerged. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the use of military aircraft for these deportations, stating, "We are the opposite of the Nazis," criticizing the degrading conditions alleged by deported migrants.
On another front, the Trump administration is contemplating reorganizing USAID, potentially folding it under the State Department, which could reshape the delivery of foreign assistance. Officials expect the directive could come as soon as next week and would give Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his foreign-assistance team greater control over aid distribution and contracting processes. This move has raised questions about the future of America’s development aid as geopolitical competition grows, particularly with China.
Trump’s aggressive immigration policies and reorganization of USAID come as part of his broader strategy to exert U.S. influence globally, particularly as he seeks to challenge China's growing presence in developing nations. The changes signal his administration's commitment to promoting specific ideological frameworks, centering on values aligned with conservative family policies, indicated by the rejoining of the Geneva Consensus.
The Geneva Consensus not only addresses women's health and family policies but also touches on sovereignty, emphasizing the individual rights of nations to decide on their health and social policies. With nearly 40 nations now part of this declaration, its influence has expanded significantly since its inception. Hungary's role is particularly notable, as it has been consistent with its partnerships within the declaration, fostering stronger ties with the United States.
Trump's administration is trying to leverage these international partnerships as it faces increasing scrutiny for its harsh immigration reforms. Critics have questioned how the administration is treating deportees, highlighting the degrading conditions described by repatriates from Colombia and Brazil. This concern is echoed within the Nigerian diaspora, where families are anxious about the plight of their loved ones facing deportation.
These immigration reforms are not happening in isolation but are part of Trump's broader initiative to show strength on immigration as he heads toward election season. His rhetoric and actions indicate he is attempting to galvanize support by portraying the administration's policies as tough and unwavering against illegal immigration.
By emphasizing America’s role as a protector of family and national sovereignty, Trump appears focused on creating narratives around his foreign policy and immigration reforms. His actions signal changes not only in policy but also aim to reshape America's image and influence internationally.
Through the lens of health policy, immigration, and foreign aid, Trump's administration is crafting its narrative as it battles geopolitical rivals. The intersection of these policies underlines the complexity of modern foreign relations and the continuing evolution of America's role on the global stage.
While these shifts may resonate with supporters, they are likely to provoke backlash domestically and from international partners wary of such stringent measures. Balancing the demands of conservative ideals with the practicalities of international cooperation will be one of the many challenges facing the Trump administration as it navigates these turbulent waters.