FDD: “Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Trump Administration Foreign Policy Tracker. As readers of our Biden Administration Foreign Policy Tracker will know, this is a monthly publication in which FDD’s experts and scholars assess the administration’s foreign policy. They provide trendlines of very positive, positive, neutral, negative, or very negative for the areas they watch. President Donald Trump has signaled he will take an assertive approach to China, especially on trade, while maintaining open lines of communication. Trump seeks a speedy end to the Russia-Ukraine war and has threatened economic punishment against Moscow, though the extent to which he will continue arming Ukraine remains unclear. In the Middle East, Trump has begun reimposing “maximum pressure” on Iran and moved closer to Israel and Saudi Arabia. The new administration has indicated it will give greater attention to Latin America, the destination of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s first foreign trip. Ending Washington’s cycle of neglect toward the Western Hemisphere would be positive — but only if it does not also mean a retreat from leadership elsewhere. Meanwhile, Trump has quickly begun threatening allies and adversaries alike with high tariffs. This tactic has scored some initial victories, though Trump must take care not to push friendly countries closer to China. On the personnel side, Trump has filled key posts with people who range from highly qualified to deeply unfit. The administration also froze foreign assistance programs and moved to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development. While in need of reform, the agency serves a vital role in advancing U.S. security and influence and alleviating human suffering.”