Less than a month after his second term, President Trump has already resumed his aggressive foreign policy, and a simple mantra: FAFO – “Find around F**k. ”
This phrase, which became an informal guide to Trump's first administration, continues to shape his global strategy. His early moves threaten new tariffs in Canada, Mexico and China, and strengthen this approach.
America has returned with a positive foreign policy.
The slogan may sound disrespectful, but it reflects intentional and powerful changes in US foreign policy.
At the heart of FAFO is a dramatic departure from traditional diplomatic norms that have long defined America's global attitudes. Under Trump, the US takes hardlines with both its allies and enemies and embraces the “America-first” approach.
Trump made it clear: America no longer accepts biased trade transactions or unfair international agreements. And he is not afraid to use economic force to ensure that the interests of the nation will come first at the world stage.
What does FAFO mean in the context of diplomatic diplomacy? It involves making bold moves without hesitation, challenging long-standing alliances, requiring other countries to either rise to the plate or face consequences. For some, this was considered reckless. For others, it was a refreshing change of pace after they had considered inefficient or pervasive policies for years.
One of the clearest examples of Trump's Fafo's doctrine in action was his Approach to NATO During his first term. Traditionally, the United States served as the alliance's main guardian and financial aid. But Trump has called for European countries to significantly increase their defence spending, making it clear that the US is no longer the “sugar daddy” of NATO. If the allies refuse to pay their fair shares, they will face consequences.
This was not just rhetoric, it was the foundation of Trump's foreign policy.
His trade policy was similarly aggressive; Especially for China. Instead of continuing the traditional path of diplomatic negotiations and trade concessions, Trump imposed tariffs, denounced Beijing for unfair trade practices, and directly challenged China's growing global influence.
In Trump's view, the US had been “playing well” for too long, but China was exploiting the system. His administration saw no reason to continue detaining – and confirmed that China was feeling pressure.
That strategy remains effective. On February 2nd, Trump announced New tariffs In China, Canada and Mexico, instead of launching a trade war, as many media outlets have falsely argued, pressure these countries to take action to suppress the flow of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, to the United States. It's about putting it on.
Does Gambit work?
February 3rd, the President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum announced Immediate deployment of 10,000 troops to the US-Mexican border. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a similar announcement on the same day. In response, Trump agreed to delay tariffs in Mexico and Canada for a month.
Beyond Mexico and Canada, Trump has already won several major foreign policy victories in his second term. Each one is rooted in his FAFO strategy.
Columbia After initially refusing to accept them, they agreed to accept flights of repatriated citizens who had illegally entered the United States. change? Again, Trump threatened tariffs. Colombia has surrendered and has returned its citizens to the country.
Venezuela After a very brief meeting with special envoy Richard Grenell, six Americans who were illegally detained in the country were released. Venezuela has also agreed to accept illegal repatriation of citizens in the United States, including brutal Venezuelan members gang Tren de Aragua.
Trump has also decided to take out several leaders of ISIS Somalia An airstrike was launched last weekend.
And for good measures, newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio secured commitments from Panama To withdraw from China's Belt and Road Initiative and maintain its sovereignty through the Panama Canal.
America has returned with a positive foreign policy. For countries that don't believe it or want to try a new approach, Trump has shown that he has one thing to say: FAFO.
