How Trump and Musk Are Disrupting the World: An In-Depth Analysis

F. Scott Fitzgerald once described characters who carelessly destroy the things around them and then retreat to their wealth. This reminds us of Donald Trump and Elon Musk today. They seem to act with the same disregard as they challenge institutions like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Over the weekend, Musk called USAID a “criminal organization” on X and pushed for its dismantling, showing off how his efforts mirrored Trump’s agenda of cutting foreign aid. Trump believes the U.S. should no longer spend money without getting something in return.

USAID, created by Congress to help people in need worldwide, could soon be reduced or absorbed into the State Department. This change is happening despite protests from lawmakers and the fact that it is illegal to shut it down without Congressional approval. It feels like a power play by Trump and Musk, who are more focused on proving their authority than on understanding the consequences. Musk even bragged about “feeding USAID into the wood chipper,” seeing it as a benchmark for further changes across the government.

While some might argue that certain agencies need reform, the fact remains that USAID plays a crucial role in assisting those affected by disasters, providing medical care, and supporting development in struggling nations. By gutting this agency, many programs that support education, health, and food security in countries like those in Africa may be disrupted. The goodwill the U.S. has built through its aid will also vanish, making room for rivals like China to step in as they strive for influence in the Global South.

The effects of these policies aren’t limited to foreign aid; they extend to trade as well. Trade has long been a way to strengthen ties between nations. However, Trump’s approach often disregards this principle. In his first term, he withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement that included many U.S. allies while excluding China. As a result, those nations turned to form their own agreements, now including China.

Trump’s approach to tariffs has been aggressive and indiscriminate. He views tariffs as a way to negotiate, even against allies like Canada and Mexico. This unpredictability is unsettling for both American and global investors. Relationships between nations are strained, as demonstrated by Canadians booing the U.S. anthem at sports events—something that would have seemed unthinkable not long ago.

The long-term impact of America’s economic policies under Trump becomes clearer every day. Countries are searching for alternatives to U.S. partnerships. The European Union is forging new trade relations, and nations like Indonesia are joining BRICS, a group that positions itself as an alternative to U.S. dominance in the global economy. Meanwhile, China is eager to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

This situation highlights a core principle in international relations: when a nation becomes overly aggressive and unpredictable, others will band together out of self-defense. In the end, such behavior rarely benefits the aggressive nation.

Many observers have tried to label Trump’s actions—nationalist, imperialist, or isolationist—but these terms often miss the mark. Instead of fitting neatly into categories, Trump’s actions reflect a carelessness that echoes Fitzgerald’s description of destructive people. In much the same way, he and Musk reflect a form of vandalism, leaving others to deal with the aftermath of their recklessness.