Opinion | Trump’s damage to American credibility might be irreparable

While the Trump administration is upending the status quo of global security and trade, the biggest loser will be the US itself

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US President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington DC on March 4. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Published: 4:30pm, 5 Mar 2025Updated: 5:15pm, 5 Mar 2025

US President Donald Trump’s plan to eviscerate the liberal post-war order is off to a great start. In less than 50 days, he has managed to seriously damage the trusted relationship America has enjoyed with Canada, Mexico and the European Union.

Trump has put the Nato alliance into question, turned America’s policy on Russia upside down, compromised Ukraine’s sovereignty and prompted the world’s economists to contemplate a global recession as a result of his absurd tariffs.

It is not just the American house he wants to burn down, but the status quo of the entire world.

The impact his actions have had on the US and the world is already profound. Four years from now, the global economy, multilateral institutions and America’s alliances will be unrecognisable.

By 2028, the cumulative effects of Trump’s policies are likely to result in an even more multipolar world order, and thus, perhaps less stability and predictability. Traditional US allies are rightly already seeking greater autonomy in defence and economic matters and they will understandably be strengthening their non-American alliances.

The weakening of institutions like Nato may embolden rival powers, leading to increased regional conflicts. Sustained trade tensions and protectionist measures will undoubtedly have hindered global growth, severely disrupted supply chains and contributed to recurrent market instability.