As the U.S. navigates complex trade wars and foreign policy shifts following the appointment of Trump as president, how are American students in Cardiff reacting to this?
As global tensions rise and international relations shift, American students studying abroad are finding themselves in the midst of heightened political discussions. U.S. international students attending Cardiff University have offered their perspectives on how their home country’s actions influence global affairs.
Trump in his first 50 days has managed to annoy, disappoint and anger half the Western world, and more importantly, the vast majority of his traditional allies both close to home and in Europe.
Despite this, Jake Miller a proud Texan, is unequivocal in his support for the Trump administration’s approach to international relations, particularly its recent moves on trade. “It’s refreshing,” Jake says, adding that the tariffs imposed on countries like Canada, Mexico, and China are long overdue.
“We’ve been getting taken advantage of for years. Finally, we have a leader who’s standing up for American interests. These tariffs are necessary to protect our industries and jobs. If other countries don’t like it, that’s on them.”
In total contrast, Alex Carter, another student this time from Oregon, is harsh on the administration’s approach to foreign policy. “It’s just more of the same chaos,” Alex remarks, pointing to the recent trade wars and Trump’s combative stance with traditional allies. “I get that some people think these tariffs protect American workers, but all it does is drive up prices for consumers. Trump’s policies are about isolationism, which I don’t think is healthy for the U.S. long term.”
Sam Reynolds, from Illinois, takes a more middle-of-the-road stance, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. “I don’t really get worked up about it,” Sam admits. “On one hand, I get why some tariffs might be necessary to protect American jobs, but at the same time, I don’t want to see prices go up or relationships with our allies fall apart.”
These varied responses come as the U.S. is mixed up in trade conflicts, particularly with Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump’s tariffs, which target these nations, are argued to level the playing field, though critics like Carter see them as economically harmful.
Meanwhile, the recent developments in Ukraine have also drawn mixed reactions from these students. While Carter believes the U.S. should be more proactive in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, Jake argues that America has already given enough.
“We can’t be the world’s police force,” Jake says. “Ukraine needs to prove they can defend themselves. The U.S. shouldn’t keep footing the bill for someone else’s fight.” Sam however takes a more cautious view. “I’m torn on Ukraine. I feel bad for them, but I also don’t think we should be constantly involved unless there’s a clear benefit to us.”
Beyond foreign policy and trade, these students also grapple with the social and cultural impacts of U.S. politics. While Alex often feels the need to justify the political climate back home, Jake embraces the conversations.
“I think it’s important to explain where I’m coming from,” he says. “A lot of people here don’t get why Trump has so much support, so I try to give them a sense of the American perspective.” Reynolds, however, prefers to steer clear of politics. “I try to focus on other things, sports, music, whatever,” he says. “The last thing I want to do is get into a heated political debate all the time.”
Criticisms have also been levelled at Trump regarding his close relationship with billionaire Elon Musk, and how this relationship is affecting his decision-making while holding the highest office in the US.
“Yeah, it’s weird,” says Alex. “He’s clearly all-in with Trump. He benefits from the deregulation and tax breaks, and I think he likes the idea of being a power player.” Jake on the other hand believes Musk’s involvement is a huge plus for the administration. “Musk is way more in touch with the future than these career politicians.”
Recent events, such as the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, an international student at Columbia University, have also sparked debates about free speech and national security. Khalil was detained following protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Alex sees this as a troubling sign of government overreach. “If protesting leads to arrests, that’s scary,” she says.
Jake supports the crackdown, arguing that universities should be places of learning, not platforms for political extremism. “There’s a line between free speech and causing chaos. The U.S. needs to protect its interests.” Sam is hesitant to take a firm stance. “It’s a tough one,” he says. “Security is important, but free speech should be protected.”
The Vice President has also proved to be a controversial figure. “He’s just another Trump lackey,” Alex said. “He saw which way the wind was blowing and abandoned whatever principles he might have had.”
Jake on the other hand sees Vance’s change of mind as a show of intelligence. “Vance is a smart guy,” he says. He started out sceptical, but he saw that Trump actually delivers on his promises. That’s what matters.”
These diverse opinions reflect the realities of being an American student abroad during a time of political polarisation. Despite differing views, these students share a desire for stability in the face of changing global dynamics. As global tensions rise, it’s clear that political decisions in the U.S. will continue to impact students abroad in ways that are both personal and profound.