The Inauguration of President Trump: Impacts on Politics, Economy, Culture, and South Korea’s Perspective
As of 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump remains a polarizing figure in international politics. From his inauguration in 2017 to the end of his term in 2021, the world experienced significant changes in politics, economy, and culture. His policies and leadership left lasting impacts globally, including on South Korea.
1. President Trump’s Inauguration: Key Policies and International Reactions
During his presidency, Trump’s “America First” agenda reshaped global politics and economics.
① Politics: Departure from Multilateralism
- Global Reactions: Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, abandoned the Iran nuclear deal, and criticized NATO. These actions strained relationships with traditional allies while amplifying the influence of powers like China and Russia.
- South Korea’s Stance: South Korea prioritized U.S. cooperation to address North Korea’s nuclear issues. The two summits between Trump and Kim Jong-un in 2018 and 2019 highlighted close collaboration between Trump and South Korea’s Moon Jae-in administration.
② Economy: Protectionism and Trade Wars
- Global Economic Impact: Trump’s protectionist policies, particularly the U.S.-China trade war, disrupted global supply chains but also revived certain U.S. manufacturing sectors.
- South Korea’s Response: Trump’s renegotiation of the KORUS FTA posed challenges but ultimately resulted in continued economic collaboration between the two nations.
③ Culture: Anti-Immigration Policies and Social Divisions
Trump’s focus on immigration restrictions and border wall construction sparked cultural debates and widened social divisions within the U.S., drawing criticism from the global community.
2. South Korea’s Position and Response
Trump’s policies presented both opportunities and challenges for South Korea.
① U.S.-North Korea Relations and Peace on the Korean Peninsula
The Trump-Kim summits were unprecedented attempts to foster peace on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea leveraged these developments to address North Korea’s nuclear threat and improve inter-Korean relations.
② Economic Cooperation and Conflicts
Negotiations over the KORUS FTA and increased defense cost-sharing pressured South Korea, but diplomatic efforts ensured continued partnership.
3. Lessons from the Trump Era
Trump’s presidency offered critical lessons for the international community and South Korea:
- Importance of Diplomatic Cooperation: Multilateralism is essential for global stability.
- Policy Continuity: Consistent and reliable policies are vital for maintaining trust among allies.
Conclusion
President Trump’s term left a profound impact on the world. South Korea navigated these changes by engaging in U.S.-North Korea diplomacy and addressing economic challenges. This period underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and diplomatic agility in navigating global shifts.
Tags: #DonaldTrump #USPolitics #InternationalRelations #SouthKorea #EconomicPolicy
