A recent report released by Polaris National Security outlines what it terms 100 foreign policy achievements of President Donald Trump’s second term. This chronologically organized document begins with the return of the prime minister in January and extends to the present day.
Entitled “100 Trump Foreign Policy Wins from 2025 that the Media Wants You to Miss,” this advocacy and analysis piece reflects the authors’ views on U.S. foreign policy over the past year. According to the report, “Since January, the Trump administration has moved at a historic pace to restore U.S. power and security,” emphasizing deterrence, alliance burden-sharing, and direct talks with adversaries.
Venezuela and Western Hemisphere Strategy
Among various actions concerning Venezuela, the report suggests a significant shift in U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere. It highlights an increase in counter-narcotics operations off Venezuela’s coast, which includes airstrikes on vessels connected to groups like Torren de Aragua and the National Liberation Army. Labelled “Operation Southern Spear,” this effort reflects America’s commitment to safeguarding the homeland from the influx of drugs, particularly fentanyl.
Additionally, the U.S. government raised the reward to $50 million for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, linking him to drug trafficking, a claim that Venezuela has denied. Polaris connects these actions to its 2025 National Security Strategy, dubbing it “the most significant hemispheric reorientation of U.S. foreign policy in decades.”
Cale Brown, chairman of Polaris National Security, remarked that the administration’s approach signifies a reset on the global stage, asserting that Trump is reinforcing America’s strength after what he describes as four years of weakening.
Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release
The Polaris report also discusses the October ceasefire in Gaza, which is seen as a key diplomatic victory involving the U.S., Israel, and Hamas. It claims the agreement assures an immediate ceasefire and the return of surviving hostages, although one remains unaccounted for. Plans for a prisoner exchange, Gaza’s demilitarization, an international stabilization force, transitional governance, and extensive reconstruction are also laid out.
Furthermore, it cites a recent U.N. resolution that passed with a vote of 13-0, aimed at establishing an international legal framework supporting the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire, despite abstentions from Russia and China. The report mentions the administration’s decision to cease taxpayer funding to UNRWA due to perceived ties between certain staff members and Hamas, a claim UNRWA denies, although U.S. officials maintain it’s a national security issue.
Iran Nuclear Attack
Another notable mention is a U.S. military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which involved B-2 bombers and bunker-buster munitions. This action, taken in June, is framed as a clear message that the U.S. will not accept a nuclear-capable Iran, despite Iran’s denial of pursuing such a program.
Nathan Sale, a prominent fellow at the Atlantic Council, noted that the administration’s dealings in the region are primarily focused on countering Iran, considered a significant source of violence and instability throughout the Middle East.
Some analysts, however, feel a critical view is necessary. Lisa Daftari, editor-in-chief of the Foreign Desk, acknowledges that while there have been achievements, alarming diplomatic issues also exist. She points to President Trump’s characterization of the Syrian president as a “young, attractive tough guy” as being particularly troubling in light of ongoing tensions. Whether these diplomatic maneuvers with Turkey and Saudi Arabia will yield positive outcomes remains uncertain and will depend on how these relationships evolve in the future.
NATO Defense Spending Commitments
The report further highlights commitments made at the NATO summit in The Hague, where member states agreed to elevate defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. This increase is framed as a response to the ongoing U.S. push for “equitable burden-sharing among allies.”
Peace Covenant between Armenia and Azerbaijan
Lastly, the report emphasizes an August peace agreement at the White House between Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders, which aims to resolve the long-standing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This declaration touches on border security, regional transit routes, and economic collaboration involving the U.S.
