Examining the evolution of US President Donald Trump’s Indo-Pacific strategy and its implications for Singapore and the wider region, Professor Derek Grossman, Professor of the Practice of Political Science and International Relations, University of Southern California; and Adjunct Senior Fellow, Indo-Pacific Security Program, Center for a New American Security (CNAS), delivered an RSIS Seminar on “Trump’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and Implications for Singapore” on 23 September 2025.
One of Professor Grossman’s key points was that US President Donald Trump’s views are being translated more directly into his foreign policy during his second term in office. He noted how during Mr Trump’s first term, most of his cabinet positions were occupied by experts chosen by establishment Republicans, and these individuals often hindered or moderated Mr Trump’s wishes.
Now, however, his cabinet is staffed with loyalists, allowing Mr Trump’s beliefs to feature more prominently. Professor Grossman posited that Mr Trump adheres to the idea of spheres of influence, where each great power (i.e., China, Russia, the US) is the hegemon in its own immediate region. He also pointed out that American foreign policy responses are increasingly being filtered through the question of whether an issue directly affects the American people, and that Vice President JD Vance plays a critical role in shaping Mr Trump’s thoughts on foreign policy.
The impact of these shifts in US foreign policy on US allies and partners are still being felt. While the US remains a key security partner for countries such as Japan and South Korea, Professor Grossman posited that US actions are causing Tokyo and Seoul to rethink their relationships with Washington, while Indians see Mr Trump’s attempt to involve himself in their relations with Pakistan as unacceptable. Mr Trump has also yet to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese* and is allowing ties with the countries of Southeast Asia to languish.
In fact, Professor Grossman observed that Mr Trump harbours more respect for strongmen leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping than leaders of US allies and partners. He suggested that Mr Trump wants to reset the US relationship with China, Russia, and North Korea, albeit on his own terms.
*Editor’s note: Mr Trump subsequently met Mr Albanese in New York.
