As the world navigates an increasingly interconnected and complex set of challenges, the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House in 2025 raises significant concerns. While his presidency from 2017 to 2021 was polarizing, a second term could exacerbate existing global tensions and introduce new risks. Here’s why a Trump presidency could be a disaster for the world.
1. Erosion of Global Alliances
During his first term, Trump consistently undermined traditional U.S. alliances, including NATO and partnerships with the European Union. His transactional approach to diplomacy often alienated long-standing allies, weakening the cohesion of organizations meant to ensure global stability. A second term could lead to further fractures, leaving room for authoritarian regimes like Russia and China to expand their influence unchecked.
2. Climate Change Setbacks
One of the most critical global issues is climate change, and Trump’s previous withdrawal from the Paris Agreement was a significant blow to international climate efforts. His administration prioritized fossil fuel industries over renewable energy, undoing years of progress. In 2025, with the world racing against time to meet climate targets, a Trump presidency could derail momentum, causing catastrophic consequences for the planet.
3. Trade Wars and Economic Instability
Trump’s trade wars, particularly with China, disrupted global supply chains and caused economic uncertainty. His unpredictable use of tariffs as a political tool created volatility in international markets. In 2025, as the global economy struggles to recover from post-pandemic challenges and inflation, a similar strategy could push economies into deeper recessions.
4. Undermining Multilateral Institutions
Trump’s disdain for multilateral organizations like the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) weakened their capacity to respond to global crises. His withdrawal of U.S. funding and support diminished their effectiveness during his term. A second Trump presidency could further undermine these institutions, reducing their ability to tackle issues like pandemics, human rights abuses, and global conflicts.
5. Encouragement of Populist and Authoritarian Leaders
Trump’s presidency emboldened populist and authoritarian leaders worldwide by normalizing anti-democratic behavior. His rhetoric often undermined democratic norms, giving legitimacy to leaders who suppress dissent and erode civil liberties. In 2025, with global democracy already under strain, another Trump presidency could lead to a dangerous wave of authoritarianism.
6. Risk of Escalating Global Conflicts
Trump’s impulsive foreign policy decisions, such as the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, heightened tensions in volatile regions. His lack of consistent strategy in dealing with North Korea, Iran, and Afghanistan created uncertainty and, at times, worsened conflicts. A return to such an unpredictable approach in 2025 could escalate conflicts in already fragile areas like the Middle East and East Asia.
7. Polarization and Distrust
Trump’s divisive rhetoric has fueled political and social polarization within the United States, weakening its role as a global leader. A fractured America struggles to project unity and strength on the world stage, creating a vacuum that other powers are eager to fill. This internal division could further erode global trust in the U.S. as a stabilizing force.
8. Misinformation and Distrust in Science
During his presidency, Trump’s dismissal of scientific consensus, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled widespread misinformation. This erosion of trust in expertise has global repercussions, as misinformation undermines public health initiatives, vaccine campaigns, and coordinated responses to crises.
Conclusion
A Trump presidency in 2025 would not occur in isolation; its impact would ripple across borders, affecting global alliances, economies, and efforts to address existential threats like climate change.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, stable and collaborative leadership is more crucial than ever. A return to policies characterized by unpredictability, isolationism, and disregard for global norms could spell disaster for the world in 2025 and beyond.
For a planet already teetering on the edge of multiple crises, the stakes couldn’t be higher.