Damage Control: How the US Seeks to Reassure Allies After the Presidential Election
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to the press at NATO headquarters following the US presidential election results. (Photo: NYT/Nicolas Tucat)
In an effort to reassure European allies following Donald Trump’s election victory, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to NATO headquarters in Belgium on Nov. 13, 2024. Addressing the press, Blinken reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to countering Russian aggression and highlighted the importance of the alliance. He emphasized that the “extraordinary alliance” was founded on the principle that “an attack on one is an attack on all,” a cornerstone that provides security among member nations.
Concerns among NATO members have grown due to Trump’s past and current positions. During his first term, he threatened to withdraw the US from NATO, and speculation during his 2024 campaign suggested he might act on that threat if re-elected. President Biden, in contrast, forged strong connections with NATO, showing unwavering support for Ukraine in the Russo-Ukrainian War and rallying NATO allies for the cause. However, Trump’s reluctance to support Ukraine financially, combined with his close relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has deepened these worries. Incoming Vice President JD Vance’s statement that he does not “really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other” has further fueled apprehension that a Trump administration could embolden Russian aggression.
Since Trump’s election victory, there has been widespread speculation about potential key appointments in the new administration. For US foreign policy, Trump has nominated Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida as the next secretary of state. Rubio is known for his support of aggressive stances toward China, Iran, and Venezuela. Yet, Trump and Rubio have not always aligned on foreign policy matters. Notably, Rubio co-sponsored legislation aimed at preventing any US president from withdrawing the nation from NATO without congressional approval — a move viewed as a safeguard against Trump potentially attempting to revoke US membership unilaterally.
Another significant political move by Trump was the creation of a new governmental department: the Department of Government Efficiency. He appointed two leaders for this department — Elon Musk, who recently emerged as a prominent public face of the Trump campaign, and Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican candidate who ran against Trump in 2024. Trump described this department and its leaders as the “perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence.”
Elon Musk, who recently entered the political arena, held a private meeting with Iran’s UN ambassador to discuss ways to reduce tensions between the US and Iran. During Trump’s first term, he withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and imposed economic sanctions on Iranian oil revenues and international banking transactions. In 2020, Trump ordered the assassination of Qassim Suleimani, a top Iranian general. Iranian officials called for revenge in response, and Iran’s supreme leader banned any negotiations with the Trump administration. Trump’s strong support for Israel, which has been engaged in conflicts with Iranian-backed militias, further complicates US relations with Iran. Currently, some members of Iran’s new government appear open to making deals with the incoming Trump administration.
Biden and Trump meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 13, 2024. (Photo: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)
From being one of the youngest senators to being the oldest president, Biden has dedicated his life to serving his country and is using the remainder of his presidency to ensure a peaceful transition of power. This effort included inviting Trump to the White House for a brief public welcome followed by a private meeting to discuss the transition. Despite losing the 2020 election, Trump did not extend the same courtesy to Biden, leading to an insurrection at the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
The Biden administration also wishes to maintain a good relationship with current US allies despite the uncertain agenda of the next administration. On Nov. 14, 2024, Biden traveled to Peru for his six-day visit to Latin America. Biden will attend the final major international engagements of his presidency, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru and the Group of 20 leaders summit in Brazil. During his visit, Biden met with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, and both sides expressed concerns about US-China relations under Trump’s impending presidency. Xi even advised Biden to “make the wise choice.” Biden emphasized the US’s interest in maintaining a relationship with China despite ongoing competition between the two nations.
January 2025 may change US foreign policy in unprecedented ways. The last few months of the Biden administration are spent on both pushing forward with Biden’s political agenda while also trying to calm the worries of US allies. Although the US government is set to change, there is hope that the strong alliances formed over many years will remain strong.