On his fourth day in office, President Donald Trump made waves globally, setting the stage for a bold new direction in American foreign policy. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump laid out his vision for the United States as a self-reliant, dominant force on the world stage.

From the start, Trump made it clear that his presidency is all about shaking things up. Addressing an audience of global leaders, he emphasized America’s sovereignty and its ability to thrive independently. “Many things have been unfair to the United States for years,” he declared, signaling a shift away from traditional international partnerships.

One of the standout moments of his speech was his call for NATO members to drastically increase their defense spending. He pushed for nations to contribute 5% of their GDP to defense—a figure that would significantly strain many economies. Trump defended this demand by stating, “We’re protecting them, they’re not protecting us,” though he glossed over the fact that NATO allies have stood by the U.S. in times of crisis, including after 9/11.

Trump also took aim at America’s trade relationships, particularly with Canada and the European Union. He hinted at imposing tariffs on countries that don’t align with U.S. interests, warning that businesses outside the U.S. would face financial penalties. “If you don’t make your product in America, you’ll have to pay a tariff,” he said, framing it as a way to boost the U.S. economy.

This approach isn’t entirely new. Trump referenced former President William McKinley, who used tariffs to strengthen the U.S. economy in the late 19th century. However, critics argue that such policies could spark global trade wars and hurt American consumers by driving up prices.

Trump’s speech at Davos was a clear signal that his “America First” philosophy is here to stay. He’s not advocating for a retreat from the world stage but rather a redefined role where the U.S. engages selectively and on its own terms. Whether this vision will strengthen America’s global position or lead to unintended consequences remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain—Trump is determined to leave his mark on the world.