The End of American Global Leadership: How Trump Is Handing the World to China
Trump’s Retreat and the Rise of China
American global leadership is not ending because of the inevitable forces of history, such as "American decline" or the rise of a multipolar world. Instead, it is ending because President Donald Trump is actively choosing to dismantle the foundations of U.S. power. Trump’s policies, both domestically and internationally, are undermining the very pillars of American influence that have shaped the global order since the end of World War II. The biggest beneficiary of this retreat is Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who has been patiently waiting for the moment when Washington falters and Beijing can step in to replace the United States as the world’s superpower. Trump’s actions—whether intentional or born of ignorance—reflect a dangerous combination of shortsightedness, admiration for autocrats, and self-interest. This toxic mix is not only threatening global security but also jeopardizing America’s future.
Surrendering Gains on the Global Stage
Just as the United States seemed to be regaining its footing on the world stage under President Joe Biden, Trump is squandering hard-won leverage. Biden’s foreign policy had successfully weakened Russia, pressured China, and strengthened U.S. alliances. By supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion, the U.S. forced Vladimir Putin into a corner, even prompting him to seek help from North Korea. Meanwhile, Biden’s support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas undermined Iran’s influence in the Middle East, and his revitalization of the U.S. alliance system unnerved China as advanced democracies united against Xi’s ambitions to disrupt the global order.
Now, Trump is throwing away these gains. His administration is signaling a willingness to sacrifice Ukraine’s territorial integrity to strike a deal with Putin. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has openly questioned the goal of restoring Ukraine to its pre-2014 borders, suggesting that the U.S. would accept a peace settlement that allows Russia to keep parts of the territory it invaded. Hegseth has also dismissed the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine—an arrangement that was Putin’s original pretext for launching the war. While this outcome might seem like a face-saving exit for Putin after a disastrous conflict, the real winner would be China. Beijing, as Russia’s most important ally, stands to benefit from any concessions Putin secures. Xi Jinping is reportedly pushing for a summit between Trump and Putin to resolve the Ukraine war, with Chinese companies ready to reap profits by rebuilding the war-torn country.
China’s Expansion into Europe and Beyond
Xi Jinping sees an even greater opportunity in Trump’s willingness to alienate Europe. At the Munich Security Conference, Vice President J.D. Vance criticized European allies for marginalizing extremist right-wing political parties, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi positioned Xi as a stabilizing force in a chaotic world. Wang declared that China would be a “factor of certainty” in a multipolar system and a “steadfast constructive force” in a changing world. While European leaders are unlikely to forget Xi’s support for Putin’s war in Ukraine, the continent’s security landscape is growing increasingly uncertain. If Trump continues to abandon U.S. leadership, European leaders may reluctantly turn to China for protection. As former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis warned, China could begin replacing the U.S. in maintaining security in Eastern Europe, leading to a dangerous dependence on Beijing.
Handing China the Keys to Global Influence
Trump’s retreat is not limited to Europe. By withdrawing from institutions like the World Health Organization and the U.N. Human Rights Council, the U.S. is ceding ground to China in shaping the global agenda. Dismantling USAID and suspending funding for electric vehicle development further strengthens China’s position in the developing world and key industries. Even Trump’s plan to deport Palestinians from Gaza plays into Xi’s hands, as it creates chaos in a region vital to China’s interests. Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods—his supposed lever against Beijing—are having little effect. China retaliated with token measures, but Xi is unlikely to be deterred by such gestures when the prize of global dominance is within reach.
The Irreparable Damage to U.S. Standing
The consequences of Trump’s actions could be catastrophic and irreversible. The U.S. is not just losing influence; it is creating a power vacuum that authoritarian regimes are eager to fill. While there is still hope that Europe and Asia’s major democracies—such as France, Germany, Japan, and the U.K.—might step in to counter China’s rise, this path is fraught with risk. Without U.S. leadership, these nations may be forced to make uncomfortable accommodations with Beijing, undermining their own values and interests in the process. The U.S. risks waking up to a world where it is no longer a dominant player, and where its prosperity and security are increasingly threatened.
A World Hostile to U.S. Interests
At the heart of this crisis is a profound misunderstanding of what is best for America. Trump’s premise—that the U.S. should focus narrowly on its own citizens and let the rest of the world fend for itself—is dangerously simplistic. History has repeatedly shown that global instability does not stay confined to faraway regions; it inevitably finds its way to America’s doorstep. Whether it was the rise of fascism in Europe in the 1930s or the chaos in Afghanistan in the 21st century, the U.S. has learned the hard way that ignoring the world’s problems does not make them go away. By ceding global leadership to authoritarian China, Trump is not just weakening America’s influence; he is building a world that is increasingly hostile to American values, prosperity, and security. The cost of this retreat will be paid for generations to come.
