When we talk about the Trump administration, the 45th presidency of the United States led by Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021. Also known as the Trump era, it was defined by abrupt policy shifts that sent shockwaves through global institutions, economies, and diplomatic relations. This wasn’t just politics as usual—it was a deliberate break from decades of U.S. foreign engagement, and its effects are still felt today.
The Trump administration, a period marked by nationalist economic policies and skepticism toward multilateral agreements. Also known as the America First era, it pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord, renegotiated NAFTA into the USMCA, and imposed sweeping tariffs on China, the EU, and even allies like Canada and Mexico. These moves didn’t just shake Wall Street—they disrupted supply chains in Africa, where local manufacturers relied on U.S. imports or exported raw materials to American markets. Meanwhile, immigration crackdowns at the U.S.-Mexico border echoed in African diaspora communities, where families feared similar policies could spread globally. The administration’s stance on international organizations like the WHO and the UN also weakened global cooperation, leaving African nations more vulnerable during crises like the pandemic, when U.S. funding and leadership suddenly vanished.
It wasn’t all about borders and tariffs. The Trump administration, a period that prioritized bilateral deals over multilateral diplomacy. Also known as the transactional presidency, it redefined how the U.S. engaged with Africa—cutting aid programs, reducing diplomatic presence, and favoring deals with leaders who aligned with its agenda. This created a vacuum that other global powers rushed to fill. Countries like China and Russia increased their influence across the continent, from infrastructure projects in Kenya to military partnerships in Mali. Meanwhile, African media outlets and activists watched closely, seeing how U.S. policy shifts could either empower or destabilize local governance. The administration’s support for Israel and withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal also rippled into African diplomatic circles, where nations had to recalibrate their own foreign policies to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a collection of real-world moments where the Trump administration’s decisions touched lives far beyond Washington. From road closures in Gauteng during global summits to shifts in African political power plays, these stories show how a single presidency can alter the rhythm of continents. You won’t find fluff here. Just the direct, unfiltered impact of a presidency that changed the rules—and the world that had to adapt.
After a second U.S. military strike killed survivors clinging to debris in the Caribbean, lawmakers demand release of classified video. Over 80 have died in similar Trump-era operations.
