Block, Siteadmin, SkipCaptcha, Upload, Automoderated users, Check users, delete, edit, move, oversight, protect, rollback, Administrators
51,035
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Donald Trump achievements: Foreign policy (view source)
Revision as of 17:47, July 2, 2017
, 17:47, July 2, 2017Created page with "200px|thumb|Official presidential photo of President Donald Trump :''Main article: Donald Trump achievements'' This article is a n..."
[[File:Donald Trump official photo.jpg|200px|thumb|Official presidential photo of President Donald Trump]]
:''Main article: [[Donald Trump achievements]]''
This article is a non-exhaustive list of [[Donald Trump]]'s achievements related to his foreign policy.
[[File:Donald Trump Syrian Military Strike April 2017.jpg|thumb|200px|President Trump being briefed on April 6, 2017 concerning a military strike on Syria.]]
President Trump was observed early in his presidency to have adopted a strong foreign policy<ref>Collinson, Stephen (April 14, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/14/politics/donald-trump-military-afghanistan/index.html Trump carves out tough commander-in-chief posture]. ''CNN''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref> and was described as having made a "consequential impact" on foreign policy early on.<ref>Taylor, Guy; Boylan, Dan (April 27, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/27/donald-trumps-foreign-policy-makes-impact/ Trump’s unconventional foreign policy makes consequential impact in first 100 days]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 28, 2017.</ref> This was as opposed to Barack Obama's foreign policy.<ref>Llorente, Elizabeth (April 14, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/14/ex-obama-officials-say-hesitation-to-use-force-in-syria-elsewhere-emboldened-adversaries.html Ex-Obama officials say hesitation to use force in Syria, elsewhere, emboldened adversaries]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref> As the North Korean vice-foreign minister stated, Trump's foreign policy was "more vicious and more aggressive" than that of Barack Obama.<ref>Talmadge, Eric (April 14, 2017). [https://www.yahoo.com/news/n-korean-official-us-more-vicious-aggressive-under-051124540.html N. Korean official: Ready for war if Trump wants it]. ''Yahoo News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref> [[Fox News]] reported that the Trump Administration has adopted a more critical stance toward the [[United Nations]] than the Obama Administration.<ref>Shaw, Adam (April 10, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/10/un-tensions-with-trump-administration-mount-as-both-sides-dig-in.html UN tensions with Trump administration mount as both sides dig in]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 10, 2017.</ref> According to Vice President [[Mike Pence]], President Trump implemented his [[America First]] philosophy into his foreign policy.<ref>Starr, Penny (June 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/22/mike-pence-president-trump-is-restoring-u-s-leadership-in-the-free-world-by-putting-america-first/ Mike Pence: President Trump is Restoring U.S. Leadership in the Free World by ‘Putting America First’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2017.</ref>
By May 2017, Trump had "hit most, if not all, of the notes he wanted to on a broad range of issues" and was more ambitious than Obama had been at the same point in his presidency.<ref name="FulfilAmbitious">Boyer, Dave (May 25, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/25/donald-trump-meets-goals-of-foreign-trip/ Trump fulfills ambitious agenda on first trip abroad, eclipsing Obama’s record during first year]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref>
==Legislation signed==
*March and April, 2017—President Trump and the U.S. Senate approved [[Montenegro]]'s accession into [[NATO]], over [[Russia]]'s objections.<ref>Boyer, Dave (April 11, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/11/trump-certifies-addition-montenegro-nato/ Trump certifies addition of Montenegro in NATO over Russian opposition]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/news/us-senate-approves-montenegro-as-newest-nato-member/ US Senate approves Montenegro as newest NATO member]. ''Breitbart News''. March 28, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref> (Montenegro officially joined NATO on June 5, 2017<ref>
*Milic, Predrag (June 5, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/05/defying-russia-montenegro-finally-joins-nato.html Defying Russia, Montenegro finally joins NATO]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
*Jozwiak, Rikard (June 7, 2017). [https://www.rferl.org/a/nato-welcomes-montenegro-russia-criticizes/28533739.html NATO Welcomes Newest Member Montenegro]. ''Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref>)
==Executive actions==
*February 3, 2017—After [[Iran]] tested a ballistic missile in apparent violation of a UN Security Council resolution, the Trump Administration instituted unilateral economic sanctions against 13 Iranian individuals and 12 companies.<ref>Torbati, Yeganeh (February 3, 2017). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-usa-idUSKBN15H253 Trump administration tightens Iran sanctions, Tehran hits back]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 3, 2017.</ref><ref>Boyer, Dave; Taylor, Guy (February 3, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/feb/3/donald-trump-slaps-sanctions-iran-missile-test/ Trump slaps sanctions on Iran over missile test]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved February 3, 2017.</ref> Later, on May 17, 2017, the Trump Administration imposed additional sanctions on an Iranian national, an Iranian company, a Chinese national, and three Chinese companies (because of Chinese dealings related to Iran's nuclear program).<ref>Muñoz, Carlo (May 17, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/17/trump-admin-rolls-out-new-sanctions-against-iran/ Trump admin. rolls out new sanctions against Iran]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 17, 2017.</ref>
*March 2017—After the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia authored a destructive and [[anti-Semitic]]<ref>Tobin, Jonathan S. (March 17, 2017). [http://www.nationalreview.com/article/445879/un-report-israel-apartheid-accusation-outrageous-anti-semitic More than Just Another Anti-Israel U.N. Farce]. ''National Review''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Russell, George (March 17, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/03/17/beyond-apartheid-u-n-commission-pushes-legal-and-propaganda-offensive-against-israel.html Beyond 'apartheid'--U.N. commission pushes legal and propaganda offensive against Israel]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref> report against [[Israel]], the report and agency were strongly criticized by the United States and UN Ambassador [[Nikki Haley]], and the executive director of the commission resigned in response.<ref>Shaw, Adam (March 17, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/17/un-official-resigns-over-nixed-anti-israel-report-after-pressure-from-haley.html UN official resigns over nixed anti-Israel report after pressure from Haley]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/03/17/un-official-quitting-israel-apartheid-report/ UN Official Quitting Over ‘Israel Apartheid’ Report]. ''Breitbart News''. March 17, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref>
*On March 18, 2017, the Trump Administration successfully forced the [[Group of Twenty|G-20]] to remove its opposition to [[protectionism]] and temper its support for [[free trade]],<ref name="WaExMar2017">Scarry, Eddie (March 18, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-administration-rebuffs-free-trade-appeals-at-g-20-meeting/article/2617793 Trump administration rebuffs free trade appeals at G-20 meeting]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref><ref name="FoxBMar2017">Koranyi, Balazs; Heller, Gernot (March 18, 2017). [http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/03/18/g20-financial-leaders-acquiesce-to-u-s-drop-free-trade-pledge.html G20 Financial Leaders Acquiesce to U.S., Drop Free Trade Pledge]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref> and any mention of [[climate change]]<ref name="TeleMar2017">McGoogan, Cara; Sherlock, Ruth (March 18, 2017). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/03/18/g20-leaders-roll-back-commitment-free-trade-climate-change-following/ G20 leaders roll back commitment to free trade and climate change following US pressure]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref><ref name="IndepMar2017">Sharman, Jon (March 18, 2017). [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/g20-finance-ministers-statement-climate-change-fair-trade-trump-a7636956.html US 'forces G20 to drop any mention of climate change' in joint statement]. ''The Independent''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref> from its joint statement. Later, in April 2017, the Trump Administration refused to sign the G7 joint statement because the other nations could not agree to include support for nuclear and fossil fuels without support for the Paris climate agreement. The G7, thus, went without a joint statement.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/12/report-trump-administration-officials-clashed-with-g7-ministers-over-climate-policy.html Report: Trump administration officials clashed with G7 ministers over climate policy]. ''Fox News''. April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.</ref><ref>Bastasch, Michael (April 11, 2017). [http://dailycaller.com/2017/04/11/trump-refuses-to-sign-g7-statement-endorsing-paris-climate-agreement/ Trump Refuses To Sign G7 Statement Endorsing Paris Climate Agreement]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved April 12, 2017.</ref>
*April 6, 2017—After the [[Syria]]n government used chemical weapons on its people, President Trump ordered a one-time airstrike against a Syrian air base, firing 60 cruise missiles at it.<ref>
* Griffin, Jennifer; Tomlinson, Lucas (April 7, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/us-missiles-target-syria-airfield-in-response-to-chemical-weapons-attack.html US missiles target Syria airfield in response to chemical weapons attack]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
* [https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/06/statement-president-trump-syria Statement by President Trump on Syria]. ''whitehouse.gov''. April 6, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2017.</ref> The U.S. destroyed about 20 Syrian jet planes and caused extremely heavy damage on the base.<ref>
* [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/about-20-syrian-jets-destroyed-in-airstrike-defense-officials-say.html About 20 Syrian jets destroyed in missile strike, defense officials say]. ''Fox News''. April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
* [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/syria-missile-attack-satellite-photos-show-major-damage-to-airfields.html Syria missile attack: Satellite photos show major damage to airfields]. ''Fox News''. April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
* [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/06/initial-reports-indicate-syrian-airbase-almost-completely-destroyed-after-us-strike.html Initial reports indicate Syrian airbase 'almost completely destroyed' after US strike]. ''Fox News''. April 6, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.<br>
However, reports claimed the base was still operational afterward:
* Muñoz, Carlo (April 10, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/10/pentagon-defends-limited-scope-syrian-attack/ Pentagon defends limited scope of Syrian attack]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
* Ensor, Josie (April 8, 2017). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/08/syrian-warplanes-take-air-base-bombed-us-tomahawks/ Syrian warplanes take off once again from air base bombed by US Tomahawks]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
* Dooley, Erin (April 8, 2017). [http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-defends-decision-hit-runway-syrian-airbase/story?id=46677805 Trump defends decision not to hit runway on Syrian air base]. ''ABC News''. Retrieved April 9, 2017.</ref> Defense Secretary [[James Mattis]] stated the attacks destroyed 20% of Syria's operational aircraft.<ref>
* Moore, Mark (April 10, 2017). [http://nypost.com/2017/04/10/mattis-says-us-strike-destroyed-large-number-of-syrian-military-aircraft/ Mattis says US strike destroyed large number of Syrian military aircraft]. ''New York Post''. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
* Lehman, Charles Fain (April 10, 2017). [http://freebeacon.com/national-security/mattis-20-percent-syrias-aircraft-damaged-destroyed-u-s-strikes/ Mattis: 20 Percent Of Syria’s Operational Aircraft Damaged or Destroyed in U.S. Strikes]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved April 10, 2017.</ref> As even the ''New York Times'' reported, Trump's action was a show of U.S. strength, and it was in stark contrast to Obama, as Trump used surprise and speed in the attacks.<ref>Gordon, Michael R.; Cooper, Helene; Shear, Michael D. (April 6, 2017). [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/06/world/middleeast/us-said-to-weigh-military-responses-to-syrian-chemical-attack.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=a-lede-package-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news Dozens of U.S. Missiles Hit Air Base in Syria]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> World leaders supported the strong action.<ref>
* Williams, Thomas D., Ph.D. (April 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/04/07/world-leaders-praise-u-s-strike-on-syria-proportionate-appropriate/ World Leaders Praise U.S. Strike on Syria, ‘Proportionate, Appropriate’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
* [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/syria-airstrikes-international-community-reacts-to-us-bombing-airfield.html Syria strikes: International community reacts to US bombing of airfield]. ''Fox News''. April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> This was the first direct military action the U.S. took against the [[Bashar al-Assad|Assad]] regime.<ref>Ackerman, Spencer; Pilkington, Ed; Jacobs, Ben; Borger, Julian (April 7, 2017). [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/06/trump-syria-missiles-assad-chemical-weapons Syria missile strikes: US launches first direct military action against Assad]. ''The Guardian''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> On April 23, 2017, in response to the chemical attacks, the Trump Administration put sanctions on 271 employees of Syria’s Scientific Studies and Research Center, which supported the nation's chemical weapons program.<ref>Starr, Penny (April 24, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/24/winning-trump-follows-up-bombing-of-assads-military-assets-with-tough-diplomacy-271-new-sanctions-for-syria/ Trump Admin Unloads Block of 271 Sanctions on Assad Regime for Chemical Weapons Attack]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 25, 2017.</ref> On June 18, 2017, the United States shot down a Syrian aircraft for the first time,<ref>
*Feldscher, Kyle (June 18, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/us-shoots-down-syrian-bomber-for-attacking-anti-assad-force/article/2626344 US shoots down Syrian bomber for attacking anti-Assad force]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
*[http://www.breitbart.com/news/pentagon-us-shoots-down-syrian-aircraft-for-first-time/ US Shoots Down Syrian Aircraft for First Time]. ''Breitbart News''. June 18, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
*Muñoz, Carlo (June 18, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/18/us-warplanes-shoot-down-syrian-jet/ U.S. warplane shoots down Syrian jet]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.</ref> and in response to Russia's warnings, stated that it would do whatever in its national and military interests.<ref>Boyer, Dave (June 19, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/19/white-house-russia-us-will-protect-interests-syria/ White House to Russia: U.S. will protect our interests in Syria]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.</ref>
[[File:MOAB bomb.jpg|thumb|200px|MOAB, the "Mother Of All bombs"]]
*April 13, 2017—Under the increased autonomy President Trump gave the Defense Department,<ref name="MOABapproval">Griffin, Jennifer; Tomlinson, Lucas (April 14, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/14/moab-drop-ordered-by-us-general-trump-approval-not-needed-officials-say.html MOAB drop ordered by US general, Trump approval not needed, officials say]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref> the U.S. dropped a [[GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast|GBU-43B]] (also known as MOAB or the "Mother Of All bombs"), the largest non-[[Nuclear weapon|nuclear]] bomb in existence at 21,000 pounds on a complex of [[Islamic State]] tunnels in [[Afghanistan]]. Although tested in 2003, the bomb had never been used in combat before.<ref>
* Tomlinson, Lucas (April 13, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/13/us-drops-largest-non-nuclear-bomb-in-afghanistan-after-green-beret-killed.html US drops largest non-nuclear bomb in Afghanistan after Green Beret killed]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
* [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/14/watch-moab-makes-impact-against-isis-tunnels-in-afghanistan.html Watch: MOAB makes impact against ISIS tunnels in Afghanistan]. ''Fox News''. April 14, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
* Wong, Kristina (April 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/04/13/us-military-drops-massive-bomb-on-islamic-state-in-afghanistan/ U.S. Military Drops Massive Bomb on Islamic State in Afghanistan]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 13, 2017.</ref> It caused much damage,<ref>McKay, Hollie (May 2, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/05/02/moab-devastates-isis-afghanistan-tunnels.html 'MOAB' aftermath: Fox News tours site where Afghanistan bomb was dropped]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 2, 2017.</ref><ref>McKay, Hollie (May 11, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/05/11/moab-damage-in-afghanistan-extreme-widespread.html MOAB damage in Afghanistan extreme, widespread]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 11, 2017.</ref> being estimated to have killed at least 94 ISIS fighters, including four commanders – no civilians were killed.<ref>
*Wellman, Phillip Walter (April 15, 2017). [https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/afghan-official-death-toll-from-massive-us-bomb-rises-to-94-including-4-isis-commanders-1.463677#.WPQNiojytPY Afghan official: Death toll from massive US bomb rises to 94, including 4 ISIS commanders]. ''Stars and Stripes''. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
The estimates came from the Afghan government, as the U.S. government chose not to release death toll numbers:
*Greenwood, Max (April 20, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/defense/329758-mattis-remains-silent-on-damage-from-mother-of-all-bombs Mattis won't reveal death toll from 'mother of all bombs']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 12, 2017.</ref> It also destroyed several of the tunnels as well as weapon stockpiles.<ref>Davis, Jack (April 14, 2017). [http://www.westernjournalism.com/moab-inflicts-vast-damage-to-isis-in-afghanistan-biggest-complex-destroyed/ MOAB Inflicts Vast Damage To ISIS In Afghanistan – ‘Biggest Complex Destroyed’]. ''Western Journalism''. Retrieved April 17, 2017.</ref><ref>Chappell, Bill (April 14, 2017). [http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/14/523902376/giant-bomb-was-right-weapon-for-attack-on-isis-u-s-general-says Afghan Official Says 94 ISIS Fighters Killed In 'Mother Of All Bombs' Attack]. ''NPR''. Retrieved April 17, 2017.</ref> The attack was reported as having dealt a heavy blow to ISIS's Afghanistan branch.<ref>Mora, Edwin (April 14, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/04/14/with-moab-u-s-military-delivers-major-blow-to-already-weak-afghan-islamic-state/ With MOAB, U.S. Military Delivers Major Blow to Weak Afghan Islamic State]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 16, 2017.</ref>
*April 21, 2017—The Trump Administration refused to issue waivers to any companies which wanted to do business with Russia, which was under economic sanctions, including [[ExxonMobil]], which had applied for a waiver.<ref>Gehrke, Joel (April 21, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/steve-mnuchin-no-russia-sanctions-waiver-for-exxon-other-companies/article/2620913 Steve Mnuchin: No Russia sanctions waiver for Exxon, other companies]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref><ref>Solomon, Jay; Olson, Bradley (April 21, 2017). [http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/04/21/u-s-denies-exxon-bid-for-waiver-on-russia-sanctions-3rd-update.html U.S. Denies Exxon Bid for Waiver on Russia Sanctions -- 3rd Update]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> The day earlier, the Trump Administration announced, in strong language, it was implementing the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which blacklisted certain Russian citizens.<ref>[https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/20/letter-president-certain-congressional-committee-chairs A Letter from the President to Certain Congressional Committee Chairs]. ''whitehouse.gov''. April 20, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref><ref>Herszenhorn, David M. (April 21, 2017). [http://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-crackdown-on-rights-abusers-in-russia/ Trump pledges crackdown on rights abusers in Russia and beyond]. ''Politico''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref>
*Early in Trump's presidency, he and his administration took a much tougher tone against [[North Korea]] than his predecessors.<ref>
* Moons, Michelle (April 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/04/17/vp-mike-pence-from-korean-demilitarized-zone-era-of-strategic-patience-is-over/ VP Mike Pence from Korean Demilitarized Zone: ‘Era of Strategic Patience Is Over’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
* Key, Pam (April 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/04/17/trump-presidents-obama-clinton-outplayed-north-korea/ Trump: Presidents Obama, Clinton Were ‘Outplayed’ by North Korea]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
* [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/19/sword-stands-ready-pence-warns-north-korea.html 'The sword stands ready': Pence warns North Korea]. ''Fox News''. April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref> While the deployment was first announced during the Obama Administration, the Trump Administration confirmed it would continue the plans to – and subsequently did – deploy the [[THAAD]] missile defense system to [[South Korea]] despite [[China]]'s strong objections.<ref>
* Diaz, Alex (April 17, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/17/us-missile-system-en-route-to-korean-peninsula.html US missile system en route to Korean peninsula]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
* Dickstein, Corey (May 1, 2017). [https://www.stripes.com/news/thaad-now-ready-to-defend-south-korea-against-missile-attacks-1.466295#.WQnPh4jytPY THAAD now ready to defend South Korea against missile attacks]. ''Stars and Stripes''. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
* Hayward, John (May 2, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/05/02/u-s-military-thaad-missile-defense-system-now-operational-in-south-korea/ U.S. Military: THAAD Missile System Operational in South Korea]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref> THAAD was first used on May 14, 2017.<ref>Kim, Christine; Miles, Tom (May 16, 2017). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-usa-idUSKCN18B1V4 North Korea missile detected by THAAD, program progressing faster than expected: South Korea]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 16, 2017.</ref>
*Unlike former President Obama, the State Department under President Trump described the Afghanistan [[Taliban]] as a terrorist organization without hesitation.<ref>Mora, Edwin (May 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/17/trump-calls-afghan-taliban-terrorists/ Trump State Dept. Breaks from Obama White House: Afghan Taliban Is a ‘Terrorist Organization’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 18, 2017.</ref>
*May 2017—President Trump embarked on an ambitious foreign trip, where he, among other accomplishments, visited the heartlands of the three [[Abrahamic religion]]s, challenging the Muslim world to get serious about defeating Islamic terrorism, challenging the European leaders to contribute more to [[NATO]], and isolating [[Iran]].<ref name="FulfilAmbitious"/><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/27/trump-wraps-overseas-trip-with-thanks-to-us-troops-standing-firm-on-terrorism-climate-change-concerns.html Trump wraps overseas trip with thanks to US troops, standing firm on terrorism, climate change concerns]. ''Fox News''. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref><ref>Boyer, Dave; Howell, Tom, Jr (May 28, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/28/donald-trumps-first-foreign-trip-thrills-republica/ Trump’s trip abroad thrills Republicans, disappoints Democrats]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Charles, Robert B. (May 30, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/30/donald-trump-policies-crystallized-by-first-trip-o/ An emerging Trump Doctrine]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 31, 2017.</ref> While in the Middle East, Trump, unlike Obama, took a strong stance against Iran and strengthened the United States's traditional alliances with Israel and the Arab nations,<ref>
*Westwood, Sarah (May 26, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-embraces-traditional-middle-east-allies-breaks-with-obama-on-trip/article/2623946 Trump embraces traditional Middle East allies, breaks with Obama on trip]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
*Boyer, Dave (May 22, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/22/donald-trump-benjamin-netanyahu-focus-iran-common-/ Trump, Netanyahu focus on Iran as common enemy]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref> bringing them closer together.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/22/trump-says-iran-threat-bringing-arab-nations-closer-to-israel.html Trump says Iran threat bringing Arab nations closer to Israel]. ''Fox News''. May 22, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref> His trip was described as one that "flipped traditional U.S. foreign policy upside down."<ref>Holland, Steve (May 27, 2017). [http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/05/27/trump-ends-nine-day-overseas-trip-with-flourish-as-trouble-looms-at-home.html Trump ends nine-day overseas trip with a flourish as trouble looms at home]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref> Here are some highlights and additional achievements of the trip:
**May 20–21, 2017—President Trump visited [[Saudi Arabia]], the first country he visited abroad as U.S. President. His trip to the country was a major event that clearly broke from foreign policy set by Barack Obama.<ref>Miller, S.A. (May 21, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/21/donald-trumps-visit-to-saudi-arabia-sets-new-tone-/ President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia sets new tone for international relations]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> He received a very warm welcome<ref>
*Greenwood, Max (May 20, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/334392-trump-gets-royal-welcome-during-tremendous-saudi-arabia-visit Trump gets royal welcome during 'tremendous' Saudi Arabia visit]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/20/trump-calls-saudi-visit-tremendous-in-critical-first-overseas-trip.html Trump calls Saudi visit 'tremendous,' in critical first overseas trip]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> – much warmer than what Obama (under whom relations became estranged<ref>Kheel, Rebecca (May 20, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/defense/334323-saudi-arabia-courts-trump Saudi Arabia courts Trump]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref>) received – with King [[Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud]] greeting Trump at the tarmac, something Obama did not receive.<ref name="MillerBow">Miller, S.A. (May 20, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/20/donald-trump-cuts-deals-joins-ceremonial-saudi-swo/ Trump doesn’t bow to Saudi King Salman, joins sword dance, cuts deals on first day abroad]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> Unlike Obama, Trump did not bow to the Saudi king,<ref name="MillerBow"/><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/20/trump-shakes-hands-with-saudi-leader-doesnt-bow-as-obama-appeared-to-do.html Trump shakes hands with Saudi leader, doesn't bow as Obama appeared to do]. ''Fox News''. May 20, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> and he did not embark on an "apology tour" like Obama.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/22/editorial-trumps-no-apology-tour/ Trump’s no-apology tour]. May 22, 2017. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> Trump signed a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, with another $350 billion of arms for the following 10 years.<ref>
*Miller, S.A. (May 20, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/20/donald-trump-king-salman-saudi-arabia-sign-defense/ Trump inks defense, investment deals with Saudi King Salman]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*[http://www.breitbart.com/news/us-approves-1-4-bn-slice-of-massive-saudi-arms-deal/ US approves $1.4 bn slice of massive Saudi arms deal]. ''Breitbart News''. June 5, 2017. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
Some analysts argued that the $110 billion deal was only a sham or for show:
*McIntyre, Jamie (June 6, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trumps-110-billion-arms-deal-with-saudi-arabia-is-fake-news-defense-expert-says/article/2625134 Trump's $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia is 'fake news,' defense expert says]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
A Senate resolution to block part of the deal failed on June 13, 2017:
*Dinan, Stephen (June 13, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/13/senate-preserves-trump-arms-deal-saudi-arabia/ Senate preserves Trump arms deal with Saudi Arabia]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
*Carney, Jordain (June 13, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/337614-senate-rejects-effort-to-block-saudi-arms-sale Senate rejects effort to block Saudi arms sale]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 13, 2017.</ref> American and Saudi businesses signed similar agreements on the same day, with billions of dollars to be invested in the U.S.<ref>
*Rodriguez, Katherine (May 20, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/20/blackstone-saudi-arabia-announce-40-billion-investment-in-u-s-infrastructure/ Blackstone, Saudi Arabia Announce $40 Billion Investment in U.S. Infrastructure]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*Shamseddine, Reem; Paul Katie (May 20, 2017). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-usa-trump-deals-idUSKCN18G05P U.S., Saudi firms sign tens of billions of dollars of deals as Trump visits]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> President Trump also gave a major speech to leaders of 50 Islamic world leaders challenging them to fight Islamic terror.<ref>
*Miller, S.A. (May 21, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/21/trump-urges-muslim-leaders-to-cut-off-islamic-terr/ In historic speech, Trump implores Muslim world to rip out Islamic extremism at its roots]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/21/trump-in-speech-to-muslim-leaders-calls-for-shutting-down-terror-funding.html Trump, in speech to Muslim leaders, calls for shutting down terror funding]. ''Fox News''. May 21, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*Spiering, Charlie (May 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/21/drive-them-out-donald-trump-challenges-muslims-to-take-on-terrorism/ ‘Drive Them Out!’ — Donald Trump Challenges Muslims to Take On Terrorism]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> Trump gave a blunt speech, stronger than Obama's,<ref>
*Kassam, Raheem (May 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/21/kassam-from-cairo-to-riyadh-trump-urged-action-on-terror-where-obama-offered-islamic-apologism/ KASSAM: From Cairo to Riyadh, Trump Urged Action on Terror Where Obama Offered Islamic Apologism]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*Pollak, Joel B. (May 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/21/trump-obama-muslim-islamic-terror-speech/ Trump, Unlike Obama, Addressed ‘Islamic Terror’ Directly]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> and he did not mention democracy or human rights, rather speaking about "good vs. evil," something his Islamic audience was more receptive to.<ref>[http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/draft-of-trumps-speech-to-muslim-leaders-calls-for-coalition-against-extremism-in-battle-between-good-and-evil/article/2623672 Draft of Trump's speech to Muslim leaders calls for coalition against extremism in 'battle between good and evil']. ''Washington Examiner'' (from the ''Associated Press''). May 19, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> (despite this, Saudi Arabia and the [[United Arab Emirates]] agreed to donate $100 million to a women entrepreneurs fund proposed by [[Ivanka Trump]]<ref>Rodriguez, Katherine (May 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/21/report-saudi-arabia-uae-will-donate-100-million-ivanka-trump-proposed-women-entrepreneurs-fund/ Report: Saudi Arabia, UAE Will Donate $100M to Ivanka Trump-Proposed Women Entrepreneurs Fund]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 22, 2017.</ref>). The U.S. and Saudi Arabia strengthened counterterrorism ties by enacting joint sanctions on two "global terrorists,"<ref>Zahid, Noor; Jedinia, Mehdi (May 19, 2017). [https://www.voanews.com/a/us-saudis-jointly-impose-sanctions-two-global-terrorists/3862482.html US, Saudis Jointly Impose Sanctions on Two 'Global Terrorists']. ''Voice of America''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> and Saudi Arabia opened a center to combat Islamic terrorism.<ref>
*Siciliano, John (May 21, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-tours-saudi-counter-terrorism-complex/article/2623767 Trump tours Saudi counter-terrorism complex]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*[http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-gulf-centre-idUSKCN18G09P Saudi to open militant-monitoring center during Trump visit]. ''Reuters''. May 20, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> (according to President Trump, the commitment to combating Islamic terrorism was already being seen when several Arab nations cut ties with Qatar due to its support of Islamic terrorism and Iran;<ref>
*Siegel, Josh (June 6, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-takes-credit-for-gulf-countries-cutting-diplomatic-ties-with-qatar/article/2625054 Trump takes credit for Gulf countries cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
*Persons, Sally (June 6, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/6/donald-trump-says-saudi-arabia-trip-already-paying/ Trump says Saudi Arabia trip ‘already paying off’]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
*Taylor, Guy; Boyer, Dave (June 7, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/7/donald-trump-offers-broker-meeting-isolated-qatari/ Trump offers to broker meeting with isolated Qatari leader and Gulf neighbors]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
However, some conflicting messages cam from the Trump Administration:
*Muñoz, Carlo (June 9, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/9/rex-tillerson-calls-de-escalation-mideast-over-qat/ Trump defends decision to back Qatar isolation, as Tillerson calls for de-escalation]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
*McIntyre, Jamie; Gehrke, Joel (June 9, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/state-pentagon-issue-conflicting-statements-on-middle-east-rifts-impact-on-qatar-operations/article/2625495 State, Pentagon issue conflicting statements on Middle East rift's impact on Qatar operations]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 9, 2017.</ref> later, Saudi Arabia changed its royal succession plan, possibly in an attempt to please President Trump<ref>DeMarche, Edmund (June 21, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/06/21/saudi-arabia-rewrites-succession-plan-months-after-trump-meeting.html Saudi Arabia rewrites succession plan months after Trump meeting]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 21, 2017.</ref>).
**May 22–23, 2017—The second country President Trump visited was [[Israel]], and his trip marked the first time a U.S. president visited the country on their first foreign trip.<ref>Klein, Aaron (May 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/05/22/trump-arrives-israel-presidential-trip-holy-land/ Trump Arrives in Israel for Historic Presidential Trip to Holy Land]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> He visited the country on the 50th anniversary of the [[Six-Day War]] and Israel's capture of [[Jerusalem]].<ref>Garfinkel, Renee (May 22, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/22/trump-israel-amid-jerusalems-jubilee/ Dateline Israel: Trump amid Jerusalem’s jubilee]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref> His flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel was one of the rare flights taken between the two countries and the first of a U.S. president to fly from the former to the latter.<ref>
*Taylor, Adam (May 22, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/05/22/why-trumps-flight-from-saudi-arabia-to-israel-is-such-a-big-deal/?utm_term=.8a2dae0e8177 Why Trump’s flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel is a big deal]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/22/trumps-flight-from-saudi-arabia-to-israel-possibly-first-direct-flight-between-countries.html Trump's flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel possibly first direct flight between countries]. ''Fox News''. May 22, 2017. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> A major suicide bombing occurred in the United Kingdom during the visit, and Trump denied recognition to the attacker<ref>
*Deacon, Liam (May 24, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/05/24/manchester-bomber-attended-jihadi-mosque-accused-funding-al-qaeda/ Manchester Bomber Attended ‘Jihadi’ Mosque Accused of Funding al-Qaeda]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*Scarborough, Rowan (May 24, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/24/salman-abedi-visited-libya-an-isis-training-hotbed/ Manchester bomber recently visited Libya, a terrorist hotbed for jihadi training]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/05/24/manchester-bomber-salman-abedis-father-was-part-al-qaeda-linked-group-ex-libyan-official-says.html Manchester bomber Salman Abedi's father and brothers arrested, linked to ISIS, Al Qaeda]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> and other Islamic terrorists by calling them "losers."<ref>
*Boyer, Dave (May 23, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/23/donald-trump-condemns-evil-losers-manchester-terro/ Trump condemns ‘evil losers’ in Manchester terror attack as ISIS claims credit]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*DeMarche, Edmund (May 23, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/23/manchester-terror-attack-trump-calls-attackers-evil-losers-in-life-offers-sympathy-for-victims.html Manchester terror attack: Trump calls attackers 'evil losers in life'; offers sympathy for victims]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> Although not moving the U.S. embassy to [[Jerusalem]] as hoped,<ref>Persons, Sally (May 24, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/24/mike-huckabee-disappointed-donald-trump-didnt-ment/ Huckabee disappointed Trump didn’t mention embassy move during Israel visit]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> President Trump became the first sitting U.S. President to visit the [[Western Wall]],<ref>
*Pappas, Alex (May 22, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-becomes-the-first-sitting-us-president-to-visit-the-western-wall/article/2623785 Trump becomes the first sitting US president to visit the Western Wall]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*Boyer, Dave (May 22, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/22/trump-becomes-first-president-pray-western-wall/ Trump becomes first president to pray at Western Wall]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*Fabian, Jordan (May 22, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/international/334522-trump-becomes-first-us-president-to-visit-western-wall Trump becomes first US president to visit Western Wall]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> and the Administration stated that the Trump was in "Jerusalem, Israel."<ref>
*Kredo, Adam (May 22, 2017). [http://freebeacon.com/national-security/trump-admin-declares-jerusalem-part-israel-major-policy-shift/ Trump Admin Declares Jerusalem Part of Israel in Major Policy Shift]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*[http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/05/22/white-house-puts-jerusalem-israel-website/ White House Puts ‘Jerusalem, Israel’ on Website]. ''Breitbart News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> President Trump did not mention anything about a Palestinian state, a two-state solution, or about Israeli settlements.<ref>Keinon, Herb (May 24, 2017). [http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Trump-leaves-Israel-with-no-mention-of-Palestinian-state-settlements-or-embassy-493731 Trump Leaves Israel with No Mention of Palestinian State, Settlements or Embassy]. ''The Jerusalem Post''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref> It was also reported that the U.S. increased defense funding for Israel by $75 million.<ref>
*Keinon, Herb (May 25, 2017). [http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/US-increases-military-aid-to-Israel-in-the-wake-of-Trumps-visit-493865 'US Increased Military Aid to Israel Ahead of Trump Visit']. ''The Jerusalem Post''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
*[http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/230146 Netanyahu: Trump added $75 million in defense aid to Israel]. ''Arutz Sheva''. May 24, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref>
**May 25, 2017—At the 2017 [[NATO]] summit, President Trump strongly stated his position that the other NATO member states should meet their expected contributions to the organization.<ref>
*Boyer, Dave (May 25, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/25/donald-trump-blasts-nato-leaders-anti-terror-immig/ More funds expected to flow to NATO after Trump’s blunt rebuke to allied leaders]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
*De Lea, Brittany (May 25, 2017). [http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/05/25/trump-to-nato-unpaid-dues-unfair-to-u-s-taxpayers.html Trump to NATO: Unpaid dues unfair to U.S. taxpayers]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref>
**May 26–27, 2017—At the 2017 [[G7]] conference, President Trump focused on [[terrorism]] rather than [[climate change]], as the other European leaders wished.<ref>Williams, Thomas D., PhD (May 26, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/26/at-g7-trump-diverts-agenda-away-from-climate-and-toward-islamist-terrorism/ At G7, Trump Diverts Agenda Away from Climate and Toward Islamist Terrorism]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref> Much to the consternation of the G7 world leaders,<ref>
*Vagnoni, Griselda; Irish, John (May 27, 2017). [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-g7-summit-latest-climate-change-consensus-paris-agreement-angela-merkel-a7759231.html? G7 leaders blame US for failure to reach climate change agreement in unusually frank statement]. ''The Independent''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
*Spiering, Charlie (May 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/27/merkel-mad-trump-declines-endorse-paris-climate-agreement/ Merkel Mad: Donald Trump Declines to Endorse Paris Climate Agreement]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref> who lobbied for President Trump to accept the [[Paris climate agreement]], Trump stood firm and refused to pledge commitment to the accords<ref>
*Williams, Thomas D. PhD (May 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/27/president-trump-stands-up-to-g7-leaders-refuses-to-ratify-climate-agreement/ President Trump Stands Up to G7 Leaders, Refuses to Ratify Climate Agreement]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
*Boyer, Dave (May 26, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/26/trump-not-swayed-g7-leaders-paris-climate-deal/ Trump says he’ll make decision on climate-change agreement next week]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/27/trump-declines-to-join-world-leaders-at-g-7-in-affirming-paris-climate-accord.html Trump declines to join world leaders at G-7 in affirming Paris climate accord]. ''Fox News''. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref> so he could still deliberate over whether to stay in it.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/news/trump-holds-off-climate-change-pact-will-make-decision-next-week/ Trump holds off climate change pact, will make decision ‘next week’]. ''Breitbart News''. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref> (Trump ultimately announced, on June 1, 2017, that the U.S. would leave the agreement and cease implementing it<ref name="ParisFox6/1/17"/>). President Trump was also reported as having refused to sign a declaration that stated the benefits as well as "pitfalls" of immigration.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/news/stormy-climate-at-g7-as-trump-goes-his-own-way/ Stormy climate at G7 as Trump goes his own way]. ''Breitbart News''. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref><ref>Lynch, Colum (May 25, 2017). [http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/05/25/trump-advisor-stephen-miller-blocked-g7-migration-proposal/ Trump Advisor Stephen Miller Blocked G-7 Migration Proposal]. ''Foreign Policy''. Retrieved May 29, 2017.</ref>
**May 27, 2017—President Trump concluded his trip by speaking to U.S. soldiers,<ref>
*Boyer, Dave (May 27, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/27/donald-trump-first-foreign-trip-home-run/ Trump calls his first international trip a ‘home run’ in speech at Naval Air Station Sigonella]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/27/trump-touts-success-on-nato-terrorism-battle-thanks-troop-in-trip-ending-speech.html Trump touts success on NATO, terrorism battle, thanks troops in trip-ending speech]. ''Fox News''. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref> as opposed to holding a press conference.<ref name="TroopsPress Conference">Spiering, Charlie (May 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/27/trump-shuns-press-conference-celebrates-successful-foreign-trip-american-troops/ Donald Trump Shuns Press Conference, Celebrates Successful Foreign Trip with American Troops]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref>
*June 16, 2017—During a speech attended by opponents of Cuba's Communist regime,<ref>Hayward, John (June 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/06/16/7-castro-victims-cuban-heroes-invited-trumps-cuba-announcement/ 7 Castro Victims and Cuban Heroes Invited to Trump’s Cuba Announcement]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.</ref> President Trump partially reversed Obama's pro-Cuba policies by restricting U.S. travel to Cuba and prohibit financial transactions that benefit the Cuban military.<ref>
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/06/16/cuba-deal-rollback-trump-says-s-nixing-obama-s-one-sided-pact.html Cuba deal rollback: Trump says he’s nixing Obama’s ‘one-sided’ pact]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
*Miller, S.A. (June 17, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/16/trump-rolls-back-obama-admins-cuba-policy/ Trump rolls back Obama admin’s Cuba policy: ‘Will not be silent in the face of communist oppression’]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
*Zanona, Melanie; Fabian, Jordan (June 16, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/international/338160-trump-draws-a-harder-line-on-cuba Trump draws a harder line on Cuba]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
*Martel, Frances (June 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/06/16/miami-trump-applauds-cuban-victims-communism-now-hold-cards/ In Miami, Trump Applauds Cuban Victims of Communism: ‘Now We Hold the Cards’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.</ref> Additionally, Trump visibly took a much stronger position on Cuba to repatriate American criminal fugitives than Obama had done.<ref>Boyer, Dave (June 16, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/16/donald-trump-calls-cuba-return-us-fugitives/ Trump calls on Cuba to return U.S. fugitives, including cop-killer Chesimard]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.</ref>
*June 20, 2017—On the same day President Trump met with [[Ukraine|Ukranian]] President [[Petro Poroshenko]], the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 38 Russian individuals and entities involved in the conflict with Ukraine.<ref>
*[https://www.voanews.com/a/us-treasury-russia-ukraine-separatists-sanctions/3909028.html US Expands Sanctions Against Russia, Ukraine Separatists]. ''Voice of America''. June 20, 2017. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/06/20/treasury-moves-to-pressure-russia-with-new-sanctions-in-ukraine-conflict.html Treasury moves to 'pressure' Russia with new sanctions in Ukraine conflict]. ''Fox News''. June 20, 2017. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
*Gehrke, Joel (June 20, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-hits-russia-ukrainian-separatists-with-sanctions/article/2626488 Trump hits Russia, Ukrainian separatists with sanctions]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
*Jackson, David (June 20, 2017). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/06/20/donald-trump-petro-poroshenko-mike-pence-ukraine/103032910/ Trump meets Ukraine president as Treasury Department sanctions Russia]. ''USA Today''. Retrieved June 26, 2017.</ref>
*The Trump Administration successfully secured the release of several American prisoners held in foreign countries that the Obama Administration did not or could not release. It played a large role in successfully helping prevent [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] officer Sabrina de Sousa from being extradited to Italy, with the decision coming on March 1, 2017.<ref>Corbin, Cristina (March 1, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/03/01/italy-cancels-former-cia-agents-extradition-from-portugal-in-muslim-abduction-case.html Ex-CIA officer has Trump administration to thank for extradition KO, spokesman says]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 1, 2017.</ref> On April 21, 2017, Egypt released an Egyptian-American who had been detained for three years.<ref>Boyer, Dave (April 21, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/21/donald-trump-greets-aya-hijazi-egyptian-american-w/ Trump greets Egyptian-American woman after working behind the scenes to free her]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.</ref> Additionally, according to the father of Otto Warmbier, who was held hostage in North Korea and then released in June 2017, the Obama Administration did not do enough to secure his release while the Trump Administration did secure his release.<ref>
*Hains, Tim (June 15, 2017). [https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2017/06/15/father_of_otto_warmbier_obama_admin_told_us_to_keep_quiet_trump_admin_brought_him_home.html Father Of Otto Warmbier: Obama Admin Told Us To Keep Quiet, Trump Admin Brought Him Home]. ''RealClearPolitics''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
*Hayward, John (June 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/06/16/otto-warmbier-family-blasts-obama-administration-not-enough-rescue-north-korea/ Otto Warmbier Family: Obama Did Not Do Enough to Rescue Him from North Korea]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.</ref>
*The Trump Administration gave wider powers to the Department of Defense than it had under Obama.<ref name="MOABapproval"/><ref>Mitchell, Ellen (June 20, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/defense/338508-mattis-gaining-power-in-trumps-cabinet Mattis gaining power in Trump’s Cabinet]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 20, 2017.</ref><ref>Muñoz, Carlo (June 25, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/25/donald-trumps-pentagon-freedom-comes-with-blame/ Pentagon welcomes greater freedom under Trump but is wary of blame]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 26, 2017.</ref> In April 2017, President Trump gave Mattis authority to set troop levels in Iraq and Syria for the fight against ISIS,<ref>
*[http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-gives-mattis-authority-over-troop-numbers-for-isis-fight/article/2621421 Trump gives Mattis authority over troop numbers for ISIS fight]. ''Washington Examiner'' (from the ''Associated Press''). April 27, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
*Sisk, Richard (April 27, 2017). [http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/04/27/trump-gives-mattis-authority-set-troop-levels-iraq-syria.html Trump Gives Mattis Authority to Set Troop Levels in Iraq, Syria]. ''Military.com''. Retrieved June 20, 2017.</ref> and it gave military commanders authority to perform military actions without approval from Washington.<ref>
*Pawlyk, Oriana (May 19, 2017). [http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/05/19/mattis-trump-empowered-commanders-annihilate-isis.html Mattis: Trump Empowered Commanders to 'Annihilate ISIS']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
*Brook, Tom Vanden (May 19, 2017). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/05/19/defense-secretary-jim-mattis-president-trump-isis-gen-joseph-dunford-north-korea/101885396/ Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says President Trump's orders will annihilate ISIS]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 20, 2017.</ref> In June 2017, the Trump Administration authorized the Defense Department to set troop levels in Afghanistan.<ref>
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/06/14/mattis-trump-has-delegated-decisions-on-afghan-troop-levels.html Mattis: Trump has delegated decisions on Afghan troop levels]. ''Fox News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved June 19, 2017.
*Gould, Joe (June 14, 2017). [http://www.defensenews.com/articles/mattis-trump-authorized-military-to-set-troop-levels-in-afghanistan Mattis: Trump authorized military to set troop levels in Afghanistan]. ''Defense News''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
*Chaitin, Daniel (June 13, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-gives-mattis-authority-over-troop-levels-in-afghanistan-report/article/2625894 Trump gives Mattis authority over troop levels in Afghanistan]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
*[http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/theres-method-in-jim-mattis/article/2626127 There's method in Jim Mattis]. ''Washington Examiner''. June 19, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Donald Trump achievements]]
:''Main article: [[Donald Trump achievements]]''
This article is a non-exhaustive list of [[Donald Trump]]'s achievements related to his foreign policy.
[[File:Donald Trump Syrian Military Strike April 2017.jpg|thumb|200px|President Trump being briefed on April 6, 2017 concerning a military strike on Syria.]]
President Trump was observed early in his presidency to have adopted a strong foreign policy<ref>Collinson, Stephen (April 14, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/14/politics/donald-trump-military-afghanistan/index.html Trump carves out tough commander-in-chief posture]. ''CNN''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref> and was described as having made a "consequential impact" on foreign policy early on.<ref>Taylor, Guy; Boylan, Dan (April 27, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/27/donald-trumps-foreign-policy-makes-impact/ Trump’s unconventional foreign policy makes consequential impact in first 100 days]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 28, 2017.</ref> This was as opposed to Barack Obama's foreign policy.<ref>Llorente, Elizabeth (April 14, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/14/ex-obama-officials-say-hesitation-to-use-force-in-syria-elsewhere-emboldened-adversaries.html Ex-Obama officials say hesitation to use force in Syria, elsewhere, emboldened adversaries]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref> As the North Korean vice-foreign minister stated, Trump's foreign policy was "more vicious and more aggressive" than that of Barack Obama.<ref>Talmadge, Eric (April 14, 2017). [https://www.yahoo.com/news/n-korean-official-us-more-vicious-aggressive-under-051124540.html N. Korean official: Ready for war if Trump wants it]. ''Yahoo News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref> [[Fox News]] reported that the Trump Administration has adopted a more critical stance toward the [[United Nations]] than the Obama Administration.<ref>Shaw, Adam (April 10, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/10/un-tensions-with-trump-administration-mount-as-both-sides-dig-in.html UN tensions with Trump administration mount as both sides dig in]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 10, 2017.</ref> According to Vice President [[Mike Pence]], President Trump implemented his [[America First]] philosophy into his foreign policy.<ref>Starr, Penny (June 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/22/mike-pence-president-trump-is-restoring-u-s-leadership-in-the-free-world-by-putting-america-first/ Mike Pence: President Trump is Restoring U.S. Leadership in the Free World by ‘Putting America First’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2017.</ref>
By May 2017, Trump had "hit most, if not all, of the notes he wanted to on a broad range of issues" and was more ambitious than Obama had been at the same point in his presidency.<ref name="FulfilAmbitious">Boyer, Dave (May 25, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/25/donald-trump-meets-goals-of-foreign-trip/ Trump fulfills ambitious agenda on first trip abroad, eclipsing Obama’s record during first year]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref>
==Legislation signed==
*March and April, 2017—President Trump and the U.S. Senate approved [[Montenegro]]'s accession into [[NATO]], over [[Russia]]'s objections.<ref>Boyer, Dave (April 11, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/11/trump-certifies-addition-montenegro-nato/ Trump certifies addition of Montenegro in NATO over Russian opposition]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/news/us-senate-approves-montenegro-as-newest-nato-member/ US Senate approves Montenegro as newest NATO member]. ''Breitbart News''. March 28, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref> (Montenegro officially joined NATO on June 5, 2017<ref>
*Milic, Predrag (June 5, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/06/05/defying-russia-montenegro-finally-joins-nato.html Defying Russia, Montenegro finally joins NATO]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
*Jozwiak, Rikard (June 7, 2017). [https://www.rferl.org/a/nato-welcomes-montenegro-russia-criticizes/28533739.html NATO Welcomes Newest Member Montenegro]. ''Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref>)
==Executive actions==
*February 3, 2017—After [[Iran]] tested a ballistic missile in apparent violation of a UN Security Council resolution, the Trump Administration instituted unilateral economic sanctions against 13 Iranian individuals and 12 companies.<ref>Torbati, Yeganeh (February 3, 2017). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-usa-idUSKBN15H253 Trump administration tightens Iran sanctions, Tehran hits back]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 3, 2017.</ref><ref>Boyer, Dave; Taylor, Guy (February 3, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/feb/3/donald-trump-slaps-sanctions-iran-missile-test/ Trump slaps sanctions on Iran over missile test]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved February 3, 2017.</ref> Later, on May 17, 2017, the Trump Administration imposed additional sanctions on an Iranian national, an Iranian company, a Chinese national, and three Chinese companies (because of Chinese dealings related to Iran's nuclear program).<ref>Muñoz, Carlo (May 17, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/17/trump-admin-rolls-out-new-sanctions-against-iran/ Trump admin. rolls out new sanctions against Iran]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 17, 2017.</ref>
*March 2017—After the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia authored a destructive and [[anti-Semitic]]<ref>Tobin, Jonathan S. (March 17, 2017). [http://www.nationalreview.com/article/445879/un-report-israel-apartheid-accusation-outrageous-anti-semitic More than Just Another Anti-Israel U.N. Farce]. ''National Review''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Russell, George (March 17, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/03/17/beyond-apartheid-u-n-commission-pushes-legal-and-propaganda-offensive-against-israel.html Beyond 'apartheid'--U.N. commission pushes legal and propaganda offensive against Israel]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref> report against [[Israel]], the report and agency were strongly criticized by the United States and UN Ambassador [[Nikki Haley]], and the executive director of the commission resigned in response.<ref>Shaw, Adam (March 17, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/17/un-official-resigns-over-nixed-anti-israel-report-after-pressure-from-haley.html UN official resigns over nixed anti-Israel report after pressure from Haley]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/03/17/un-official-quitting-israel-apartheid-report/ UN Official Quitting Over ‘Israel Apartheid’ Report]. ''Breitbart News''. March 17, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref>
*On March 18, 2017, the Trump Administration successfully forced the [[Group of Twenty|G-20]] to remove its opposition to [[protectionism]] and temper its support for [[free trade]],<ref name="WaExMar2017">Scarry, Eddie (March 18, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-administration-rebuffs-free-trade-appeals-at-g-20-meeting/article/2617793 Trump administration rebuffs free trade appeals at G-20 meeting]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref><ref name="FoxBMar2017">Koranyi, Balazs; Heller, Gernot (March 18, 2017). [http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/03/18/g20-financial-leaders-acquiesce-to-u-s-drop-free-trade-pledge.html G20 Financial Leaders Acquiesce to U.S., Drop Free Trade Pledge]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref> and any mention of [[climate change]]<ref name="TeleMar2017">McGoogan, Cara; Sherlock, Ruth (March 18, 2017). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/03/18/g20-leaders-roll-back-commitment-free-trade-climate-change-following/ G20 leaders roll back commitment to free trade and climate change following US pressure]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref><ref name="IndepMar2017">Sharman, Jon (March 18, 2017). [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/g20-finance-ministers-statement-climate-change-fair-trade-trump-a7636956.html US 'forces G20 to drop any mention of climate change' in joint statement]. ''The Independent''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref> from its joint statement. Later, in April 2017, the Trump Administration refused to sign the G7 joint statement because the other nations could not agree to include support for nuclear and fossil fuels without support for the Paris climate agreement. The G7, thus, went without a joint statement.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/12/report-trump-administration-officials-clashed-with-g7-ministers-over-climate-policy.html Report: Trump administration officials clashed with G7 ministers over climate policy]. ''Fox News''. April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.</ref><ref>Bastasch, Michael (April 11, 2017). [http://dailycaller.com/2017/04/11/trump-refuses-to-sign-g7-statement-endorsing-paris-climate-agreement/ Trump Refuses To Sign G7 Statement Endorsing Paris Climate Agreement]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved April 12, 2017.</ref>
*April 6, 2017—After the [[Syria]]n government used chemical weapons on its people, President Trump ordered a one-time airstrike against a Syrian air base, firing 60 cruise missiles at it.<ref>
* Griffin, Jennifer; Tomlinson, Lucas (April 7, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/us-missiles-target-syria-airfield-in-response-to-chemical-weapons-attack.html US missiles target Syria airfield in response to chemical weapons attack]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
* [https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/06/statement-president-trump-syria Statement by President Trump on Syria]. ''whitehouse.gov''. April 6, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2017.</ref> The U.S. destroyed about 20 Syrian jet planes and caused extremely heavy damage on the base.<ref>
* [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/about-20-syrian-jets-destroyed-in-airstrike-defense-officials-say.html About 20 Syrian jets destroyed in missile strike, defense officials say]. ''Fox News''. April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
* [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/syria-missile-attack-satellite-photos-show-major-damage-to-airfields.html Syria missile attack: Satellite photos show major damage to airfields]. ''Fox News''. April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
* [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/06/initial-reports-indicate-syrian-airbase-almost-completely-destroyed-after-us-strike.html Initial reports indicate Syrian airbase 'almost completely destroyed' after US strike]. ''Fox News''. April 6, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.<br>
However, reports claimed the base was still operational afterward:
* Muñoz, Carlo (April 10, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/10/pentagon-defends-limited-scope-syrian-attack/ Pentagon defends limited scope of Syrian attack]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
* Ensor, Josie (April 8, 2017). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/08/syrian-warplanes-take-air-base-bombed-us-tomahawks/ Syrian warplanes take off once again from air base bombed by US Tomahawks]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
* Dooley, Erin (April 8, 2017). [http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-defends-decision-hit-runway-syrian-airbase/story?id=46677805 Trump defends decision not to hit runway on Syrian air base]. ''ABC News''. Retrieved April 9, 2017.</ref> Defense Secretary [[James Mattis]] stated the attacks destroyed 20% of Syria's operational aircraft.<ref>
* Moore, Mark (April 10, 2017). [http://nypost.com/2017/04/10/mattis-says-us-strike-destroyed-large-number-of-syrian-military-aircraft/ Mattis says US strike destroyed large number of Syrian military aircraft]. ''New York Post''. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
* Lehman, Charles Fain (April 10, 2017). [http://freebeacon.com/national-security/mattis-20-percent-syrias-aircraft-damaged-destroyed-u-s-strikes/ Mattis: 20 Percent Of Syria’s Operational Aircraft Damaged or Destroyed in U.S. Strikes]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved April 10, 2017.</ref> As even the ''New York Times'' reported, Trump's action was a show of U.S. strength, and it was in stark contrast to Obama, as Trump used surprise and speed in the attacks.<ref>Gordon, Michael R.; Cooper, Helene; Shear, Michael D. (April 6, 2017). [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/06/world/middleeast/us-said-to-weigh-military-responses-to-syrian-chemical-attack.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=a-lede-package-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news Dozens of U.S. Missiles Hit Air Base in Syria]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> World leaders supported the strong action.<ref>
* Williams, Thomas D., Ph.D. (April 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/04/07/world-leaders-praise-u-s-strike-on-syria-proportionate-appropriate/ World Leaders Praise U.S. Strike on Syria, ‘Proportionate, Appropriate’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
* [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/syria-airstrikes-international-community-reacts-to-us-bombing-airfield.html Syria strikes: International community reacts to US bombing of airfield]. ''Fox News''. April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> This was the first direct military action the U.S. took against the [[Bashar al-Assad|Assad]] regime.<ref>Ackerman, Spencer; Pilkington, Ed; Jacobs, Ben; Borger, Julian (April 7, 2017). [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/06/trump-syria-missiles-assad-chemical-weapons Syria missile strikes: US launches first direct military action against Assad]. ''The Guardian''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> On April 23, 2017, in response to the chemical attacks, the Trump Administration put sanctions on 271 employees of Syria’s Scientific Studies and Research Center, which supported the nation's chemical weapons program.<ref>Starr, Penny (April 24, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/24/winning-trump-follows-up-bombing-of-assads-military-assets-with-tough-diplomacy-271-new-sanctions-for-syria/ Trump Admin Unloads Block of 271 Sanctions on Assad Regime for Chemical Weapons Attack]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 25, 2017.</ref> On June 18, 2017, the United States shot down a Syrian aircraft for the first time,<ref>
*Feldscher, Kyle (June 18, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/us-shoots-down-syrian-bomber-for-attacking-anti-assad-force/article/2626344 US shoots down Syrian bomber for attacking anti-Assad force]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
*[http://www.breitbart.com/news/pentagon-us-shoots-down-syrian-aircraft-for-first-time/ US Shoots Down Syrian Aircraft for First Time]. ''Breitbart News''. June 18, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
*Muñoz, Carlo (June 18, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/18/us-warplanes-shoot-down-syrian-jet/ U.S. warplane shoots down Syrian jet]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.</ref> and in response to Russia's warnings, stated that it would do whatever in its national and military interests.<ref>Boyer, Dave (June 19, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/19/white-house-russia-us-will-protect-interests-syria/ White House to Russia: U.S. will protect our interests in Syria]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.</ref>
[[File:MOAB bomb.jpg|thumb|200px|MOAB, the "Mother Of All bombs"]]
*April 13, 2017—Under the increased autonomy President Trump gave the Defense Department,<ref name="MOABapproval">Griffin, Jennifer; Tomlinson, Lucas (April 14, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/14/moab-drop-ordered-by-us-general-trump-approval-not-needed-officials-say.html MOAB drop ordered by US general, Trump approval not needed, officials say]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref> the U.S. dropped a [[GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast|GBU-43B]] (also known as MOAB or the "Mother Of All bombs"), the largest non-[[Nuclear weapon|nuclear]] bomb in existence at 21,000 pounds on a complex of [[Islamic State]] tunnels in [[Afghanistan]]. Although tested in 2003, the bomb had never been used in combat before.<ref>
* Tomlinson, Lucas (April 13, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/13/us-drops-largest-non-nuclear-bomb-in-afghanistan-after-green-beret-killed.html US drops largest non-nuclear bomb in Afghanistan after Green Beret killed]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
* [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/14/watch-moab-makes-impact-against-isis-tunnels-in-afghanistan.html Watch: MOAB makes impact against ISIS tunnels in Afghanistan]. ''Fox News''. April 14, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
* Wong, Kristina (April 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/04/13/us-military-drops-massive-bomb-on-islamic-state-in-afghanistan/ U.S. Military Drops Massive Bomb on Islamic State in Afghanistan]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 13, 2017.</ref> It caused much damage,<ref>McKay, Hollie (May 2, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/05/02/moab-devastates-isis-afghanistan-tunnels.html 'MOAB' aftermath: Fox News tours site where Afghanistan bomb was dropped]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 2, 2017.</ref><ref>McKay, Hollie (May 11, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/05/11/moab-damage-in-afghanistan-extreme-widespread.html MOAB damage in Afghanistan extreme, widespread]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 11, 2017.</ref> being estimated to have killed at least 94 ISIS fighters, including four commanders – no civilians were killed.<ref>
*Wellman, Phillip Walter (April 15, 2017). [https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/afghan-official-death-toll-from-massive-us-bomb-rises-to-94-including-4-isis-commanders-1.463677#.WPQNiojytPY Afghan official: Death toll from massive US bomb rises to 94, including 4 ISIS commanders]. ''Stars and Stripes''. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
The estimates came from the Afghan government, as the U.S. government chose not to release death toll numbers:
*Greenwood, Max (April 20, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/defense/329758-mattis-remains-silent-on-damage-from-mother-of-all-bombs Mattis won't reveal death toll from 'mother of all bombs']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 12, 2017.</ref> It also destroyed several of the tunnels as well as weapon stockpiles.<ref>Davis, Jack (April 14, 2017). [http://www.westernjournalism.com/moab-inflicts-vast-damage-to-isis-in-afghanistan-biggest-complex-destroyed/ MOAB Inflicts Vast Damage To ISIS In Afghanistan – ‘Biggest Complex Destroyed’]. ''Western Journalism''. Retrieved April 17, 2017.</ref><ref>Chappell, Bill (April 14, 2017). [http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/14/523902376/giant-bomb-was-right-weapon-for-attack-on-isis-u-s-general-says Afghan Official Says 94 ISIS Fighters Killed In 'Mother Of All Bombs' Attack]. ''NPR''. Retrieved April 17, 2017.</ref> The attack was reported as having dealt a heavy blow to ISIS's Afghanistan branch.<ref>Mora, Edwin (April 14, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/04/14/with-moab-u-s-military-delivers-major-blow-to-already-weak-afghan-islamic-state/ With MOAB, U.S. Military Delivers Major Blow to Weak Afghan Islamic State]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 16, 2017.</ref>
*April 21, 2017—The Trump Administration refused to issue waivers to any companies which wanted to do business with Russia, which was under economic sanctions, including [[ExxonMobil]], which had applied for a waiver.<ref>Gehrke, Joel (April 21, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/steve-mnuchin-no-russia-sanctions-waiver-for-exxon-other-companies/article/2620913 Steve Mnuchin: No Russia sanctions waiver for Exxon, other companies]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref><ref>Solomon, Jay; Olson, Bradley (April 21, 2017). [http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/04/21/u-s-denies-exxon-bid-for-waiver-on-russia-sanctions-3rd-update.html U.S. Denies Exxon Bid for Waiver on Russia Sanctions -- 3rd Update]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> The day earlier, the Trump Administration announced, in strong language, it was implementing the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which blacklisted certain Russian citizens.<ref>[https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/20/letter-president-certain-congressional-committee-chairs A Letter from the President to Certain Congressional Committee Chairs]. ''whitehouse.gov''. April 20, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref><ref>Herszenhorn, David M. (April 21, 2017). [http://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-crackdown-on-rights-abusers-in-russia/ Trump pledges crackdown on rights abusers in Russia and beyond]. ''Politico''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref>
*Early in Trump's presidency, he and his administration took a much tougher tone against [[North Korea]] than his predecessors.<ref>
* Moons, Michelle (April 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/04/17/vp-mike-pence-from-korean-demilitarized-zone-era-of-strategic-patience-is-over/ VP Mike Pence from Korean Demilitarized Zone: ‘Era of Strategic Patience Is Over’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
* Key, Pam (April 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/04/17/trump-presidents-obama-clinton-outplayed-north-korea/ Trump: Presidents Obama, Clinton Were ‘Outplayed’ by North Korea]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
* [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/19/sword-stands-ready-pence-warns-north-korea.html 'The sword stands ready': Pence warns North Korea]. ''Fox News''. April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 19, 2017.</ref> While the deployment was first announced during the Obama Administration, the Trump Administration confirmed it would continue the plans to – and subsequently did – deploy the [[THAAD]] missile defense system to [[South Korea]] despite [[China]]'s strong objections.<ref>
* Diaz, Alex (April 17, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/17/us-missile-system-en-route-to-korean-peninsula.html US missile system en route to Korean peninsula]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
* Dickstein, Corey (May 1, 2017). [https://www.stripes.com/news/thaad-now-ready-to-defend-south-korea-against-missile-attacks-1.466295#.WQnPh4jytPY THAAD now ready to defend South Korea against missile attacks]. ''Stars and Stripes''. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
* Hayward, John (May 2, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/05/02/u-s-military-thaad-missile-defense-system-now-operational-in-south-korea/ U.S. Military: THAAD Missile System Operational in South Korea]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref> THAAD was first used on May 14, 2017.<ref>Kim, Christine; Miles, Tom (May 16, 2017). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-usa-idUSKCN18B1V4 North Korea missile detected by THAAD, program progressing faster than expected: South Korea]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 16, 2017.</ref>
*Unlike former President Obama, the State Department under President Trump described the Afghanistan [[Taliban]] as a terrorist organization without hesitation.<ref>Mora, Edwin (May 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/17/trump-calls-afghan-taliban-terrorists/ Trump State Dept. Breaks from Obama White House: Afghan Taliban Is a ‘Terrorist Organization’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 18, 2017.</ref>
*May 2017—President Trump embarked on an ambitious foreign trip, where he, among other accomplishments, visited the heartlands of the three [[Abrahamic religion]]s, challenging the Muslim world to get serious about defeating Islamic terrorism, challenging the European leaders to contribute more to [[NATO]], and isolating [[Iran]].<ref name="FulfilAmbitious"/><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/27/trump-wraps-overseas-trip-with-thanks-to-us-troops-standing-firm-on-terrorism-climate-change-concerns.html Trump wraps overseas trip with thanks to US troops, standing firm on terrorism, climate change concerns]. ''Fox News''. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref><ref>Boyer, Dave; Howell, Tom, Jr (May 28, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/28/donald-trumps-first-foreign-trip-thrills-republica/ Trump’s trip abroad thrills Republicans, disappoints Democrats]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Charles, Robert B. (May 30, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/30/donald-trump-policies-crystallized-by-first-trip-o/ An emerging Trump Doctrine]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 31, 2017.</ref> While in the Middle East, Trump, unlike Obama, took a strong stance against Iran and strengthened the United States's traditional alliances with Israel and the Arab nations,<ref>
*Westwood, Sarah (May 26, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-embraces-traditional-middle-east-allies-breaks-with-obama-on-trip/article/2623946 Trump embraces traditional Middle East allies, breaks with Obama on trip]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
*Boyer, Dave (May 22, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/22/donald-trump-benjamin-netanyahu-focus-iran-common-/ Trump, Netanyahu focus on Iran as common enemy]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref> bringing them closer together.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/22/trump-says-iran-threat-bringing-arab-nations-closer-to-israel.html Trump says Iran threat bringing Arab nations closer to Israel]. ''Fox News''. May 22, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref> His trip was described as one that "flipped traditional U.S. foreign policy upside down."<ref>Holland, Steve (May 27, 2017). [http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/05/27/trump-ends-nine-day-overseas-trip-with-flourish-as-trouble-looms-at-home.html Trump ends nine-day overseas trip with a flourish as trouble looms at home]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref> Here are some highlights and additional achievements of the trip:
**May 20–21, 2017—President Trump visited [[Saudi Arabia]], the first country he visited abroad as U.S. President. His trip to the country was a major event that clearly broke from foreign policy set by Barack Obama.<ref>Miller, S.A. (May 21, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/21/donald-trumps-visit-to-saudi-arabia-sets-new-tone-/ President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia sets new tone for international relations]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> He received a very warm welcome<ref>
*Greenwood, Max (May 20, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/334392-trump-gets-royal-welcome-during-tremendous-saudi-arabia-visit Trump gets royal welcome during 'tremendous' Saudi Arabia visit]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/20/trump-calls-saudi-visit-tremendous-in-critical-first-overseas-trip.html Trump calls Saudi visit 'tremendous,' in critical first overseas trip]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> – much warmer than what Obama (under whom relations became estranged<ref>Kheel, Rebecca (May 20, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/defense/334323-saudi-arabia-courts-trump Saudi Arabia courts Trump]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref>) received – with King [[Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud]] greeting Trump at the tarmac, something Obama did not receive.<ref name="MillerBow">Miller, S.A. (May 20, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/20/donald-trump-cuts-deals-joins-ceremonial-saudi-swo/ Trump doesn’t bow to Saudi King Salman, joins sword dance, cuts deals on first day abroad]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> Unlike Obama, Trump did not bow to the Saudi king,<ref name="MillerBow"/><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/20/trump-shakes-hands-with-saudi-leader-doesnt-bow-as-obama-appeared-to-do.html Trump shakes hands with Saudi leader, doesn't bow as Obama appeared to do]. ''Fox News''. May 20, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> and he did not embark on an "apology tour" like Obama.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/22/editorial-trumps-no-apology-tour/ Trump’s no-apology tour]. May 22, 2017. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> Trump signed a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, with another $350 billion of arms for the following 10 years.<ref>
*Miller, S.A. (May 20, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/20/donald-trump-king-salman-saudi-arabia-sign-defense/ Trump inks defense, investment deals with Saudi King Salman]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*[http://www.breitbart.com/news/us-approves-1-4-bn-slice-of-massive-saudi-arms-deal/ US approves $1.4 bn slice of massive Saudi arms deal]. ''Breitbart News''. June 5, 2017. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
Some analysts argued that the $110 billion deal was only a sham or for show:
*McIntyre, Jamie (June 6, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trumps-110-billion-arms-deal-with-saudi-arabia-is-fake-news-defense-expert-says/article/2625134 Trump's $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia is 'fake news,' defense expert says]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
A Senate resolution to block part of the deal failed on June 13, 2017:
*Dinan, Stephen (June 13, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/13/senate-preserves-trump-arms-deal-saudi-arabia/ Senate preserves Trump arms deal with Saudi Arabia]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
*Carney, Jordain (June 13, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/337614-senate-rejects-effort-to-block-saudi-arms-sale Senate rejects effort to block Saudi arms sale]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 13, 2017.</ref> American and Saudi businesses signed similar agreements on the same day, with billions of dollars to be invested in the U.S.<ref>
*Rodriguez, Katherine (May 20, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/20/blackstone-saudi-arabia-announce-40-billion-investment-in-u-s-infrastructure/ Blackstone, Saudi Arabia Announce $40 Billion Investment in U.S. Infrastructure]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*Shamseddine, Reem; Paul Katie (May 20, 2017). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-usa-trump-deals-idUSKCN18G05P U.S., Saudi firms sign tens of billions of dollars of deals as Trump visits]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> President Trump also gave a major speech to leaders of 50 Islamic world leaders challenging them to fight Islamic terror.<ref>
*Miller, S.A. (May 21, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/21/trump-urges-muslim-leaders-to-cut-off-islamic-terr/ In historic speech, Trump implores Muslim world to rip out Islamic extremism at its roots]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/21/trump-in-speech-to-muslim-leaders-calls-for-shutting-down-terror-funding.html Trump, in speech to Muslim leaders, calls for shutting down terror funding]. ''Fox News''. May 21, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*Spiering, Charlie (May 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/21/drive-them-out-donald-trump-challenges-muslims-to-take-on-terrorism/ ‘Drive Them Out!’ — Donald Trump Challenges Muslims to Take On Terrorism]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> Trump gave a blunt speech, stronger than Obama's,<ref>
*Kassam, Raheem (May 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/21/kassam-from-cairo-to-riyadh-trump-urged-action-on-terror-where-obama-offered-islamic-apologism/ KASSAM: From Cairo to Riyadh, Trump Urged Action on Terror Where Obama Offered Islamic Apologism]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*Pollak, Joel B. (May 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/21/trump-obama-muslim-islamic-terror-speech/ Trump, Unlike Obama, Addressed ‘Islamic Terror’ Directly]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> and he did not mention democracy or human rights, rather speaking about "good vs. evil," something his Islamic audience was more receptive to.<ref>[http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/draft-of-trumps-speech-to-muslim-leaders-calls-for-coalition-against-extremism-in-battle-between-good-and-evil/article/2623672 Draft of Trump's speech to Muslim leaders calls for coalition against extremism in 'battle between good and evil']. ''Washington Examiner'' (from the ''Associated Press''). May 19, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> (despite this, Saudi Arabia and the [[United Arab Emirates]] agreed to donate $100 million to a women entrepreneurs fund proposed by [[Ivanka Trump]]<ref>Rodriguez, Katherine (May 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/21/report-saudi-arabia-uae-will-donate-100-million-ivanka-trump-proposed-women-entrepreneurs-fund/ Report: Saudi Arabia, UAE Will Donate $100M to Ivanka Trump-Proposed Women Entrepreneurs Fund]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 22, 2017.</ref>). The U.S. and Saudi Arabia strengthened counterterrorism ties by enacting joint sanctions on two "global terrorists,"<ref>Zahid, Noor; Jedinia, Mehdi (May 19, 2017). [https://www.voanews.com/a/us-saudis-jointly-impose-sanctions-two-global-terrorists/3862482.html US, Saudis Jointly Impose Sanctions on Two 'Global Terrorists']. ''Voice of America''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> and Saudi Arabia opened a center to combat Islamic terrorism.<ref>
*Siciliano, John (May 21, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-tours-saudi-counter-terrorism-complex/article/2623767 Trump tours Saudi counter-terrorism complex]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
*[http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-gulf-centre-idUSKCN18G09P Saudi to open militant-monitoring center during Trump visit]. ''Reuters''. May 20, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.</ref> (according to President Trump, the commitment to combating Islamic terrorism was already being seen when several Arab nations cut ties with Qatar due to its support of Islamic terrorism and Iran;<ref>
*Siegel, Josh (June 6, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-takes-credit-for-gulf-countries-cutting-diplomatic-ties-with-qatar/article/2625054 Trump takes credit for Gulf countries cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
*Persons, Sally (June 6, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/6/donald-trump-says-saudi-arabia-trip-already-paying/ Trump says Saudi Arabia trip ‘already paying off’]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
*Taylor, Guy; Boyer, Dave (June 7, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/7/donald-trump-offers-broker-meeting-isolated-qatari/ Trump offers to broker meeting with isolated Qatari leader and Gulf neighbors]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
However, some conflicting messages cam from the Trump Administration:
*Muñoz, Carlo (June 9, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/9/rex-tillerson-calls-de-escalation-mideast-over-qat/ Trump defends decision to back Qatar isolation, as Tillerson calls for de-escalation]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
*McIntyre, Jamie; Gehrke, Joel (June 9, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/state-pentagon-issue-conflicting-statements-on-middle-east-rifts-impact-on-qatar-operations/article/2625495 State, Pentagon issue conflicting statements on Middle East rift's impact on Qatar operations]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 9, 2017.</ref> later, Saudi Arabia changed its royal succession plan, possibly in an attempt to please President Trump<ref>DeMarche, Edmund (June 21, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/06/21/saudi-arabia-rewrites-succession-plan-months-after-trump-meeting.html Saudi Arabia rewrites succession plan months after Trump meeting]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 21, 2017.</ref>).
**May 22–23, 2017—The second country President Trump visited was [[Israel]], and his trip marked the first time a U.S. president visited the country on their first foreign trip.<ref>Klein, Aaron (May 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/05/22/trump-arrives-israel-presidential-trip-holy-land/ Trump Arrives in Israel for Historic Presidential Trip to Holy Land]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> He visited the country on the 50th anniversary of the [[Six-Day War]] and Israel's capture of [[Jerusalem]].<ref>Garfinkel, Renee (May 22, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/22/trump-israel-amid-jerusalems-jubilee/ Dateline Israel: Trump amid Jerusalem’s jubilee]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref> His flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel was one of the rare flights taken between the two countries and the first of a U.S. president to fly from the former to the latter.<ref>
*Taylor, Adam (May 22, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/05/22/why-trumps-flight-from-saudi-arabia-to-israel-is-such-a-big-deal/?utm_term=.8a2dae0e8177 Why Trump’s flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel is a big deal]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/22/trumps-flight-from-saudi-arabia-to-israel-possibly-first-direct-flight-between-countries.html Trump's flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel possibly first direct flight between countries]. ''Fox News''. May 22, 2017. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> A major suicide bombing occurred in the United Kingdom during the visit, and Trump denied recognition to the attacker<ref>
*Deacon, Liam (May 24, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/05/24/manchester-bomber-attended-jihadi-mosque-accused-funding-al-qaeda/ Manchester Bomber Attended ‘Jihadi’ Mosque Accused of Funding al-Qaeda]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*Scarborough, Rowan (May 24, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/24/salman-abedi-visited-libya-an-isis-training-hotbed/ Manchester bomber recently visited Libya, a terrorist hotbed for jihadi training]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/05/24/manchester-bomber-salman-abedis-father-was-part-al-qaeda-linked-group-ex-libyan-official-says.html Manchester bomber Salman Abedi's father and brothers arrested, linked to ISIS, Al Qaeda]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> and other Islamic terrorists by calling them "losers."<ref>
*Boyer, Dave (May 23, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/23/donald-trump-condemns-evil-losers-manchester-terro/ Trump condemns ‘evil losers’ in Manchester terror attack as ISIS claims credit]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*DeMarche, Edmund (May 23, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/23/manchester-terror-attack-trump-calls-attackers-evil-losers-in-life-offers-sympathy-for-victims.html Manchester terror attack: Trump calls attackers 'evil losers in life'; offers sympathy for victims]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> Although not moving the U.S. embassy to [[Jerusalem]] as hoped,<ref>Persons, Sally (May 24, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/24/mike-huckabee-disappointed-donald-trump-didnt-ment/ Huckabee disappointed Trump didn’t mention embassy move during Israel visit]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> President Trump became the first sitting U.S. President to visit the [[Western Wall]],<ref>
*Pappas, Alex (May 22, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-becomes-the-first-sitting-us-president-to-visit-the-western-wall/article/2623785 Trump becomes the first sitting US president to visit the Western Wall]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*Boyer, Dave (May 22, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/22/trump-becomes-first-president-pray-western-wall/ Trump becomes first president to pray at Western Wall]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*Fabian, Jordan (May 22, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/international/334522-trump-becomes-first-us-president-to-visit-western-wall Trump becomes first US president to visit Western Wall]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> and the Administration stated that the Trump was in "Jerusalem, Israel."<ref>
*Kredo, Adam (May 22, 2017). [http://freebeacon.com/national-security/trump-admin-declares-jerusalem-part-israel-major-policy-shift/ Trump Admin Declares Jerusalem Part of Israel in Major Policy Shift]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
*[http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/05/22/white-house-puts-jerusalem-israel-website/ White House Puts ‘Jerusalem, Israel’ on Website]. ''Breitbart News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> President Trump did not mention anything about a Palestinian state, a two-state solution, or about Israeli settlements.<ref>Keinon, Herb (May 24, 2017). [http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Trump-leaves-Israel-with-no-mention-of-Palestinian-state-settlements-or-embassy-493731 Trump Leaves Israel with No Mention of Palestinian State, Settlements or Embassy]. ''The Jerusalem Post''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref> It was also reported that the U.S. increased defense funding for Israel by $75 million.<ref>
*Keinon, Herb (May 25, 2017). [http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/US-increases-military-aid-to-Israel-in-the-wake-of-Trumps-visit-493865 'US Increased Military Aid to Israel Ahead of Trump Visit']. ''The Jerusalem Post''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
*[http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/230146 Netanyahu: Trump added $75 million in defense aid to Israel]. ''Arutz Sheva''. May 24, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref>
**May 25, 2017—At the 2017 [[NATO]] summit, President Trump strongly stated his position that the other NATO member states should meet their expected contributions to the organization.<ref>
*Boyer, Dave (May 25, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/25/donald-trump-blasts-nato-leaders-anti-terror-immig/ More funds expected to flow to NATO after Trump’s blunt rebuke to allied leaders]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
*De Lea, Brittany (May 25, 2017). [http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/05/25/trump-to-nato-unpaid-dues-unfair-to-u-s-taxpayers.html Trump to NATO: Unpaid dues unfair to U.S. taxpayers]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref>
**May 26–27, 2017—At the 2017 [[G7]] conference, President Trump focused on [[terrorism]] rather than [[climate change]], as the other European leaders wished.<ref>Williams, Thomas D., PhD (May 26, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/26/at-g7-trump-diverts-agenda-away-from-climate-and-toward-islamist-terrorism/ At G7, Trump Diverts Agenda Away from Climate and Toward Islamist Terrorism]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref> Much to the consternation of the G7 world leaders,<ref>
*Vagnoni, Griselda; Irish, John (May 27, 2017). [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-g7-summit-latest-climate-change-consensus-paris-agreement-angela-merkel-a7759231.html? G7 leaders blame US for failure to reach climate change agreement in unusually frank statement]. ''The Independent''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
*Spiering, Charlie (May 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/27/merkel-mad-trump-declines-endorse-paris-climate-agreement/ Merkel Mad: Donald Trump Declines to Endorse Paris Climate Agreement]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref> who lobbied for President Trump to accept the [[Paris climate agreement]], Trump stood firm and refused to pledge commitment to the accords<ref>
*Williams, Thomas D. PhD (May 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/27/president-trump-stands-up-to-g7-leaders-refuses-to-ratify-climate-agreement/ President Trump Stands Up to G7 Leaders, Refuses to Ratify Climate Agreement]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
*Boyer, Dave (May 26, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/26/trump-not-swayed-g7-leaders-paris-climate-deal/ Trump says he’ll make decision on climate-change agreement next week]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/27/trump-declines-to-join-world-leaders-at-g-7-in-affirming-paris-climate-accord.html Trump declines to join world leaders at G-7 in affirming Paris climate accord]. ''Fox News''. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref> so he could still deliberate over whether to stay in it.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/news/trump-holds-off-climate-change-pact-will-make-decision-next-week/ Trump holds off climate change pact, will make decision ‘next week’]. ''Breitbart News''. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref> (Trump ultimately announced, on June 1, 2017, that the U.S. would leave the agreement and cease implementing it<ref name="ParisFox6/1/17"/>). President Trump was also reported as having refused to sign a declaration that stated the benefits as well as "pitfalls" of immigration.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/news/stormy-climate-at-g7-as-trump-goes-his-own-way/ Stormy climate at G7 as Trump goes his own way]. ''Breitbart News''. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref><ref>Lynch, Colum (May 25, 2017). [http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/05/25/trump-advisor-stephen-miller-blocked-g7-migration-proposal/ Trump Advisor Stephen Miller Blocked G-7 Migration Proposal]. ''Foreign Policy''. Retrieved May 29, 2017.</ref>
**May 27, 2017—President Trump concluded his trip by speaking to U.S. soldiers,<ref>
*Boyer, Dave (May 27, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/27/donald-trump-first-foreign-trip-home-run/ Trump calls his first international trip a ‘home run’ in speech at Naval Air Station Sigonella]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/27/trump-touts-success-on-nato-terrorism-battle-thanks-troop-in-trip-ending-speech.html Trump touts success on NATO, terrorism battle, thanks troops in trip-ending speech]. ''Fox News''. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref> as opposed to holding a press conference.<ref name="TroopsPress Conference">Spiering, Charlie (May 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/27/trump-shuns-press-conference-celebrates-successful-foreign-trip-american-troops/ Donald Trump Shuns Press Conference, Celebrates Successful Foreign Trip with American Troops]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 27, 2017.</ref>
*June 16, 2017—During a speech attended by opponents of Cuba's Communist regime,<ref>Hayward, John (June 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/06/16/7-castro-victims-cuban-heroes-invited-trumps-cuba-announcement/ 7 Castro Victims and Cuban Heroes Invited to Trump’s Cuba Announcement]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.</ref> President Trump partially reversed Obama's pro-Cuba policies by restricting U.S. travel to Cuba and prohibit financial transactions that benefit the Cuban military.<ref>
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/06/16/cuba-deal-rollback-trump-says-s-nixing-obama-s-one-sided-pact.html Cuba deal rollback: Trump says he’s nixing Obama’s ‘one-sided’ pact]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
*Miller, S.A. (June 17, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/16/trump-rolls-back-obama-admins-cuba-policy/ Trump rolls back Obama admin’s Cuba policy: ‘Will not be silent in the face of communist oppression’]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
*Zanona, Melanie; Fabian, Jordan (June 16, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/international/338160-trump-draws-a-harder-line-on-cuba Trump draws a harder line on Cuba]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
*Martel, Frances (June 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/06/16/miami-trump-applauds-cuban-victims-communism-now-hold-cards/ In Miami, Trump Applauds Cuban Victims of Communism: ‘Now We Hold the Cards’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.</ref> Additionally, Trump visibly took a much stronger position on Cuba to repatriate American criminal fugitives than Obama had done.<ref>Boyer, Dave (June 16, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/16/donald-trump-calls-cuba-return-us-fugitives/ Trump calls on Cuba to return U.S. fugitives, including cop-killer Chesimard]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 17, 2017.</ref>
*June 20, 2017—On the same day President Trump met with [[Ukraine|Ukranian]] President [[Petro Poroshenko]], the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 38 Russian individuals and entities involved in the conflict with Ukraine.<ref>
*[https://www.voanews.com/a/us-treasury-russia-ukraine-separatists-sanctions/3909028.html US Expands Sanctions Against Russia, Ukraine Separatists]. ''Voice of America''. June 20, 2017. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/06/20/treasury-moves-to-pressure-russia-with-new-sanctions-in-ukraine-conflict.html Treasury moves to 'pressure' Russia with new sanctions in Ukraine conflict]. ''Fox News''. June 20, 2017. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
*Gehrke, Joel (June 20, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-hits-russia-ukrainian-separatists-with-sanctions/article/2626488 Trump hits Russia, Ukrainian separatists with sanctions]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
*Jackson, David (June 20, 2017). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/06/20/donald-trump-petro-poroshenko-mike-pence-ukraine/103032910/ Trump meets Ukraine president as Treasury Department sanctions Russia]. ''USA Today''. Retrieved June 26, 2017.</ref>
*The Trump Administration successfully secured the release of several American prisoners held in foreign countries that the Obama Administration did not or could not release. It played a large role in successfully helping prevent [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] officer Sabrina de Sousa from being extradited to Italy, with the decision coming on March 1, 2017.<ref>Corbin, Cristina (March 1, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/03/01/italy-cancels-former-cia-agents-extradition-from-portugal-in-muslim-abduction-case.html Ex-CIA officer has Trump administration to thank for extradition KO, spokesman says]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 1, 2017.</ref> On April 21, 2017, Egypt released an Egyptian-American who had been detained for three years.<ref>Boyer, Dave (April 21, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/21/donald-trump-greets-aya-hijazi-egyptian-american-w/ Trump greets Egyptian-American woman after working behind the scenes to free her]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.</ref> Additionally, according to the father of Otto Warmbier, who was held hostage in North Korea and then released in June 2017, the Obama Administration did not do enough to secure his release while the Trump Administration did secure his release.<ref>
*Hains, Tim (June 15, 2017). [https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2017/06/15/father_of_otto_warmbier_obama_admin_told_us_to_keep_quiet_trump_admin_brought_him_home.html Father Of Otto Warmbier: Obama Admin Told Us To Keep Quiet, Trump Admin Brought Him Home]. ''RealClearPolitics''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
*Hayward, John (June 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/06/16/otto-warmbier-family-blasts-obama-administration-not-enough-rescue-north-korea/ Otto Warmbier Family: Obama Did Not Do Enough to Rescue Him from North Korea]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.</ref>
*The Trump Administration gave wider powers to the Department of Defense than it had under Obama.<ref name="MOABapproval"/><ref>Mitchell, Ellen (June 20, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/defense/338508-mattis-gaining-power-in-trumps-cabinet Mattis gaining power in Trump’s Cabinet]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 20, 2017.</ref><ref>Muñoz, Carlo (June 25, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/25/donald-trumps-pentagon-freedom-comes-with-blame/ Pentagon welcomes greater freedom under Trump but is wary of blame]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 26, 2017.</ref> In April 2017, President Trump gave Mattis authority to set troop levels in Iraq and Syria for the fight against ISIS,<ref>
*[http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-gives-mattis-authority-over-troop-numbers-for-isis-fight/article/2621421 Trump gives Mattis authority over troop numbers for ISIS fight]. ''Washington Examiner'' (from the ''Associated Press''). April 27, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
*Sisk, Richard (April 27, 2017). [http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/04/27/trump-gives-mattis-authority-set-troop-levels-iraq-syria.html Trump Gives Mattis Authority to Set Troop Levels in Iraq, Syria]. ''Military.com''. Retrieved June 20, 2017.</ref> and it gave military commanders authority to perform military actions without approval from Washington.<ref>
*Pawlyk, Oriana (May 19, 2017). [http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/05/19/mattis-trump-empowered-commanders-annihilate-isis.html Mattis: Trump Empowered Commanders to 'Annihilate ISIS']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
*Brook, Tom Vanden (May 19, 2017). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/05/19/defense-secretary-jim-mattis-president-trump-isis-gen-joseph-dunford-north-korea/101885396/ Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says President Trump's orders will annihilate ISIS]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 20, 2017.</ref> In June 2017, the Trump Administration authorized the Defense Department to set troop levels in Afghanistan.<ref>
*[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/06/14/mattis-trump-has-delegated-decisions-on-afghan-troop-levels.html Mattis: Trump has delegated decisions on Afghan troop levels]. ''Fox News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved June 19, 2017.
*Gould, Joe (June 14, 2017). [http://www.defensenews.com/articles/mattis-trump-authorized-military-to-set-troop-levels-in-afghanistan Mattis: Trump authorized military to set troop levels in Afghanistan]. ''Defense News''. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
*Chaitin, Daniel (June 13, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-gives-mattis-authority-over-troop-levels-in-afghanistan-report/article/2625894 Trump gives Mattis authority over troop levels in Afghanistan]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
*[http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/theres-method-in-jim-mattis/article/2626127 There's method in Jim Mattis]. ''Washington Examiner''. June 19, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Donald Trump achievements]]