Trump pressures allies with trade threats and military demands

U.S. President Trump pushes economic and security ultimatums on allies, reshaping global diplomacy.

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on after signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S., on February 10, 2025. Photo by Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

By Alana Salsabila and Clarisa Sendy

U.S. President Donald Trump has reshaped global diplomacy with his aggressive, transactional approach, issuing ultimatums to both allies and adversaries. Whether through trade tariffs, military demands, or threats of resource grabs, he has made it clear that nations must align with American interests or face consequences.

His hardline tactics have produced mixed results. Some countries have made tangible concessions, such as pledging to buy more U.S. goods or increasing investments. Others have repackaged existing policies as new commitments to appease the White House. The extent to which these actions will have a lasting impact remains uncertain.

Mexico boosts border security under U.S. pressure

Mexico has deployed 10,000 National Guard troops along its border with the United States to curb migration and drug trafficking. This move led Trump to suspend his recent threat of imposing steep tariffs on Mexican imports. However, experts remain skeptical about whether the reinforcements will significantly impact border security.

The deployment reflects Trump's broader strategy of using economic threats to extract policy changes. While the Mexican government has framed the move as part of its internal security agenda, the timing suggests it was a direct response to U.S. demands.

Canada avoids tariffs with security investment

Canada, another target of Trump’s trade threats, managed to secure a reprieve by committing to border security enhancements. In December, the Canadian government announced a C$1.3 billion ($909 million) investment aimed at tackling fentanyl trafficking, irregular migration, and organized crime.

On February 3, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled an additional C$200 million intelligence directive focused on crime and fentanyl smuggling. He also pledged to appoint a “Fentanyl Czar” to coordinate efforts—though the position remains unfilled. These moves helped Canada sidestep immediate tariff threats, but questions linger over their effectiveness.

Japan pledges major investments to appease Trump

Japan has long been on Trump’s radar due to its significant trade surplus with the U.S. During Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s recent visit to the White House, Trump raised the issue again, signaling that Japan could face tariffs unless it made economic concessions.

In response, Ishiba announced a plan to increase Japanese investment in the U.S. to $1 trillion, including purchases of American natural gas, ethanol, and ammonia. The package includes a $100 million pledge from SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, as well as new U.S. factory projects by Toyota and Isuzu Motors.

Trump also claimed progress on Nippon Steel’s blocked $14.9 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. He insisted that any deal must be structured as an investment rather than an outright takeover. However, the details of a revised proposal remain unclear.

India signals trade openness amid tariff concerns

India, once labeled a “very big abuser” on trade by Trump, is eager to present itself as a cooperative partner. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S., Indian officials emphasized their commitment to opening markets rather than adopting protectionist policies.

"We don't want to give anybody any signal that we would like to be protectionist," Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey told Reuters. India is considering tariff reductions in at least a dozen sectors, including electronics, medical equipment, and chemicals, to facilitate U.S. exports. Modi is also expected to propose increased imports of American energy and defense products.

NATO allies increase defense spending under U.S. pressure

Trump has consistently pressured European NATO allies to boost defense spending, a demand he first made during his initial term. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed last week that the alliance is preparing a new military spending commitment, which will be "considerably" higher than the previous 2% GDP target that many nations struggled to meet.

While the ongoing war in Ukraine has reinforced the need for stronger European defense, NATO members still face the challenge of funding this increase amid budget constraints. Trump’s insistence on greater military contributions has shifted priorities, but the long-term financial burden on European governments remains uncertain.

Trump eyes Ukraine’s critical minerals in exchange for support

One of Trump’s most controversial demands involves Ukraine’s natural resources. He has suggested that U.S. military aid should come with financial returns, particularly through access to Ukraine’s reserves of rare earth elements and other critical minerals.

Ukraine has already expressed willingness to allow investment in its critical minerals sector. In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy indicated he was open to working with the U.S. but rejected any notion of "giving away" resources. Instead, Kyiv envisions a partnership model for developing these assets.

The feasibility of Trump’s plan is unclear, as much of Ukraine’s mineral wealth lies near Russian-controlled areas. Nevertheless, his approach signals a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy—one where financial and strategic interests are increasingly intertwined.

Trump’s demands reshape global alliances

Trump’s strategy of economic and military ultimatums has forced many nations to adjust their policies. While some have made meaningful concessions, others have found ways to reframe existing commitments to satisfy U.S. demands.

As his administration continues to push for American interests in trade, security, and resource control, global alliances are being tested. Whether these tactics will yield long-term benefits for the U.S. or lead to greater geopolitical instability remains to be seen.

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