Donald Trump is being hailed both domestically and internationally for his pivotal role in brokering a peace agreement that led to the release of 20 hostages from Hamas and the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees earlier this week.
While foreign policy is set to be a cornerstone of Trump’s final presidential term, his aggressive tariff measures—which continue to disrupt global markets—may ultimately overshadow these diplomatic achievements in the annals of history.
The president has introduced significant tariffs on imported goods, which include a 10 percent levy on all Australian exports to the United States.
“I believe this tariff strategy will play a much larger role in defining the legacy of his administration,” said Jared Monschein, Director of Research at the United States Studies Centre.
“However, it would be challenging to find a Democrat who, despite their opposition to Trump, would criticize his recent accomplishments in the Middle East,” Monschein added.
Monschein also noted that Trump’s effective mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas are likely to provide some positive momentum for his administration moving forward.
“At the same time, it’s hard to say that this is a clear, long-term or even medium-term victory because if there’s anything that the Middle East has shown time and time again, it’s that it’s hard to predict,” he added.
