Donald Trump’s pressure strategy: A hallmark of his new term
Since his return to the White House, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has consolidated a governing style characterized by the use of threats of extreme consequences as his primary negotiation tool. This tactic, which seeks to exert pressure on allies, adversaries, and key institutions, has set the pace for his second presidential term.
One of the points of greatest tension has been his recent warning to the Federal Reserve (Fed). The president has suggested the possibility of implementing trade embargoes with the goal of pressuring the regulatory body to lower interest rates, arguing that the United States must maintain the most competitive rates in the global market.
Global reach and territorial ambitions
Trump’s vision is not limited to monetary or trade policy; it extends to a reconfiguration of international relations and territorial control. Among the most prominent positions of his administration are:
- The proposal for Canada to become the 51st state of the American union.
- The renewed interest in the acquisition of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
- The intention to regain control over the Panama Canal.
- The suggestion that Washington assume the administration of the Gaza Strip under a population relocation scheme.
On the geopolitical front, warnings toward Iran have maintained a severe tone, with the president threatening to destroy critical infrastructure if the country does not guarantee the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The use of these statements is part of a negotiation strategy where no instrument of pressure is ruled out before starting the dialogue, a position supported by key figures on his team such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Economic pressure and internal challenges
Tariffs remain the central pillar of his economic policy. Trump has extended these warnings to member countries of the BRICS bloc, threatening levies on those who seek alternatives to the dollar, as well as to various commercial sectors in Europe. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has explored mechanisms to tighten these measures, even in the face of limitations imposed by the Supreme Court.
Internally, the strategy has been no different. The president has directed his warnings toward academic institutions, such as Harvard University, and has maintained a confrontational stance against critical media outlets. Experts, such as Professor Olúfémi O. Taiwo, point out that this administration is defined by a constant struggle with traditional institutions.
While the Democratic Party and various sectors warn about the possible repercussions of this policy on global stability, the Trump administration continues to operate under the premise of applying maximum consequences, maintaining uncertainty as a constant in the international arena.
