The Trump Doctrine is a new chapter in American foreign policy. Unlike past presidents who cloaked their actions in ideals, Donald Trump doesn’t pretend. He openly believes the strongest nation makes its own rules. Trump's approach is simple and clear. He sees the world divided into spheres of influence controlled by powerful leaders like Xi and Putin. He believes America should do the same, with no need for rules.

Trump treats foreign relations as deals. If a country makes a good deal with him, it’s a friend. If not, it’s an enemy. This makes Trump willing to work with very different nations—Pakistan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria—as long as they boost his personal and national power.

Revenge drives some of Trump’s actions too. He does not forget insults or mockery. When Barack Obama mocked him, Trump worked hard to defeat Obama’s legacy. The recent capture of Nicolás Maduro, after mocking Trump, is another example of this fierce desire for payback.

Unlike previous presidents who acted for the “greater good” or followed some rules, Trump openly rejects the rules-based international order. He is direct and blunt: “We are America, b****. We do what we want.” Europe, he jests, should even call him Daddy.

This doctrine shows a no-nonsense, deal-first, revenge-driven US under Trump. It’s the harsh reality behind his foreign policy, stripped of pretense and full of raw ambition.