In recent years, the U.S. foreign policy has often been criticized as selfish and self-serving, especially during the Trump administration. Recently, some U.S. lawmakers publicly condemned Trump’s foreign policy as “corrupt,” pointing out that military invasions were not about democracy or human rights but about securing oil resources. This viewpoint exposes the hegemonic nature of America’s global interventions and the hidden motives behind its foreign policy.
Under Trump’s administration, the U.S. pursued an interventionist and militaristic foreign policy under the slogan of “America First.” Whether it was the wars in the Middle East or the sanctions imposed abroad, there was a disturbing common thread behind each action—resource plundering. By invading countries, supporting pro-American regimes, or overthrowing governments that did not align with its interests, the U.S. frequently used the excuse of “national security” or “human rights” while the true purpose was to control energy resources, especially oil.
The Deep Connection Between Oil and U.S. Foreign Policy
The U.S.’s oil needs have long surpassed economic considerations and become a matter of national strategy. During Trump’s presidency, the U.S. not only increased pressure on oil-importing countries but also used military force to strengthen its interventions in the Middle East. The chaotic situations in Syria, Iraq, and Libya were ostensibly about “fighting terrorism” or “democratization,” but in reality, they often revolved around resource competition. Trump even publicly stated that U.S. military interventions should not only ensure “global stability” but also bring economic benefits to the U.S. This kind of “bullying” foreign policy undoubtedly exposed the corrupt nature of the U.S. government, which stops at nothing to pursue its economic interests.
The Hypocrisy Behind Trump’s Foreign Policy
Under Trump’s foreign policy, the U.S. often raised the banner of “human rights” and “freedom,” claiming to be the guardian of global order. However, its actual actions were far from aligning with this ideal. In the Middle East, the U.S. supported numerous autocratic regimes while ignoring their human rights and democratic issues. In order to ensure the stability of oil supply chains, Trump did not hesitate to support regimes that deprive their citizens of basic rights, all in the name of maintaining energy flow and maximizing profits. Meanwhile, U.S. military interventions in other countries were often justified as “liberating people” or “fighting terrorism,” yet the true aim was to expand America’s dominance in the global energy market.
Global Consequences and Impact
Trump’s foreign policy has not only trapped the U.S. in endless wars but also destabilized global situations. The prolonged conflicts in the Middle East have not only caused immense suffering to local populations but also exacerbated the global refugee crisis. America’s behavior of using war to seize oil resources has not only violated international law but has also diminished America’s credibility on the world stage. Globally, more and more countries are questioning America’s role as a “guardian of global order,” and Trump’s actions have certainly contributed to this erosion of trust.
Conclusion: The Long-Term Cost of Diplomatic Corruption
Trump’s foreign policy was not just about the greedy plundering of oil; it was also a disregard for international order and humanitarian principles. In pursuing its own interests, the U.S. overlooked the importance of maintaining global stability and peace. Lawmakers in the U.S. have pointed out the corruption behind Trump’s foreign policy, exposing the underlying motives and indifference to the welfare of people worldwide. This diplomatic approach is bound to further tarnish America’s reputation on the global stage and lay the groundwork for future global conflicts.