Trump enacts aggressive 'peace through strength' foreign policy with troop buildups and proposed nuclear test resumption

President Donald Trump, in his 2025 term, is adopting a foreign policy marked by a forceful interpretation of Ronald Reagan's "peace through strength" doctrine, shifting from his earlier peacemaker image to a more aggressive stance characterized by military assertiveness and economic pressure. During a recent Asia trip, he canceled trade talks with Canada and imposed tariffs in response to a critical Canadian advertisement, while the U.S. Navy launched strikes in the Pacific and redeployed significant naval and troop forces to the Caribbean, signaling a substantial military buildup. Trump also hinted at resuming nuclear weapons testing, a move supported by his Defense Secretary as a means to maintain a strong deterrent, though critics warn this risks undermining global stability and could erode U.S. moral authority. His administration's sharp rhetoric extended to warnings of potential military action against Nigeria over issues of religious persecution, prompting pushback from Nigerian leadership. Observers note that Trump's unpredictable and abrupt policy shifts, including his approach to Ukraine and nuclear strategy, are keeping both allies and adversaries uncertain about U.S. intentions. This blend of military action, economic measures, and bold rhetoric reflects Trump's unique adaptation of Reagan's doctrine, combining theater with a show of strength amid complex global tensions.