Donald Trump’s return to the White House has sparked mixed reactions across the Pacific, where his policies could impact the region significantly.
Pacific leaders congratulated Trump following the U.S. election but expressed uncertainty about his approach to key issues, particularly climate change.
Trump’s 2019 withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and dismissal of climate change as “a big hoax” raised concerns about the region’s climate security and funding for mitigation programs.
“I think that’s one of the areas where we, as Pacific nations, need to unite and communicate with the United States, especially President Trump, to share our concerns,” said Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.
Derek Grossman, a RAND Corporation defense analyst, noted that Trump had elevated the Pacific’s strategic importance during his first term.
“The Trump administration was the first since World War II to prioritize the Pacific island region,” he said, although he cautioned that Trump’s unpredictability leaves room for doubt.
Critics, such as researcher Michael Walsh, have argued that U.S. policies under both Trump and Biden failed to balance security interests with local prosperity. Walsh expects Trump to push for reforms in U.S. aid and partnerships with the Pacific.
Meanwhile, the Heritage Foundation urged Washington to invest more in the region, citing its strategic location and resources critical to countering China’s influence.
The Pacific islands remain caught in escalating geopolitical tensions, with leaders weighing potential opportunities and risks under a new Trump administration.
Source: Pacific Island Times