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WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Donald Trump prepares for another term in the White House, he has expressed confidence in his ability to resolve Russia’s conflict in Ukraine within the first 24 hours of his new administration, along with aspirations for achieving lasting peace in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
However, approaching the 100-day mark of his second administration, Trump is facing challenges in fulfilling major foreign policy commitments. He has shown sensitivity towards suggestions of any shortcomings. Following criticisms of President Joe Biden for limiting Israel’s military actions against Iran’s nuclear threats, Trump now finds himself advocating for diplomatic solutions to address Tehran’s accelerating nuclear developments.
“The war has been ongoing for three years. I just arrived, and you ask me, ‘What’s taking so long?’” Trump expressed during a Time magazine interview while reflecting on his initial days in office. Regarding the Gaza conflict, he claimed the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas in 2023, which ignited the war, “would have never happened.”
The benchmark of a U.S. president’s first 100 days in office is a time-honored procedure in Washington, albeit somewhat arbitrary. Navigating peace among entrenched adversaries often demands time and nuanced strategy, rather than a quick turnaround.
No other president has committed as much in such a short span as Trump, who aims for a substantial overhaul of the U.S.’s stance toward allies and adversaries upon his return to the presidency.
In recent months, Trump has rapidly pursued alterations to the established global order, which has been essential for stability and security since World War II.
The global landscape is adapting as Trump instigates a tariff war and implements severe cuts to U.S. foreign aid, all while proposing audacious ideas such as acquiring Greenland or even turning Canada into the 51st state.
Yet, Trump’s challenges in negotiating peace in Ukraine and Gaza present strong evidence of the limitations of his ambitious foreign policy agenda relying heavily on assertiveness.
He has openly expressed frustration regarding the situation in Ukraine, which he has long claimed is an inefficient use of American resources and a tragic loss of life.
The Trump administration has fluctuated on its stance regarding peace in Ukraine since the notorious confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year.
During that meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for not showing enough appreciation for U.S. support against Russian aggression before dismissing him from the White House premises.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cautioned that the administration may consider exiting negotiations if significant progress toward peace isn’t made soon.
In recent weeks, Trump has vehemently criticized Zelenskyy for “prolonging the conflict,” while also condemning Putin for complicating peace discussions with his recent military actions against Kyiv.
Nonetheless, in a twist of optimism, Trump expressed hope after special envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with Putin, stating the two parties were “very close to a deal.”
However, after a subsequent meeting with Zelenskyy at the Pope’s funeral, Trump expressed skepticism over Putin’s intentions, questioning whether he genuinely desired to end the war.
“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war; he’s just dragging me along,” Trump commented on Russia’s continued aggression towards Ukraine.
In a recent interaction with the media, Trump reiterated his expectations for Putin, stating, “I want him to stop shooting, come to the table, and finalize a deal.” He insisted that a framework for agreement exists, and he desires a prompt resolution.
White House National Security Council representative James Hewitt affirmed Trump’s commitment to reaching an agreement, asserting that they are “closer to achieving that goal than at any time during Joe Biden’s presidency.”
“In just 100 days, President Trump has managed to bring both Ukraine and Russia to the negotiation table with a focus on resolving this destructive conflict peacefully,” Hewitt mentioned. “The question isn’t if this war will end, but rather when.”
Gaza remains a challenging conflict, with peace still out of reach.
Upon taking office, Trump initially seemed to have a head start in addressing the Israel-Hamas situation.
His envoy, Witkoff, previously a New York real estate mogul, collaborated with outgoing Biden administration adviser Brett McGurk to negotiate a temporary ceasefire agreement between Israeli and Hamas representatives, effective just before Trump’s inauguration.
On the eve of his return, Trump proudly claimed responsibility for this “monumental” accord, which he believed would usher in “lasting peace” in the region.
This temporary ceasefire led to the release of 33 hostages from Gaza and approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody.
However, the agreement collapsed by March, resulting in renewed violence, as both parties failed to collaborate on retrieving 59 remaining hostages, many of whom Israeli authorities fear may be deceased.
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Israel has cut off all aid to the region’s more than 2 million residents. Israel contends there is no humanitarian crisis, claiming that any assistance is intercepted by Hamas for its use.
As Trump traveled to Rome for the pope’s funeral, he asserted to reporters that he was diligently pushing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow humanitarian supplies into Gaza, although he sidestepped inquiries regarding Netanyahu’s responsiveness.
“He is aware of the situation, alright?” Trump stated to the reporters.
Hewitt rebutted assertions of Trump’s failure to bring an end to the Gaza conflict, emphasizing Hamas’s choices as the core issue.
“While we tirelessly work to ensure the release of all remaining hostages, Hamas continues opting for violence over peace. President Trump has made it clear that Hamas will face dire consequences until it relinquishes the hostages and disarms,” Hewitt stated.
Trump’s administration believes that it has achieved more in foreign policy within this early phase than any previous U.S. president.
The administration points to a range of early successes, including enforcement of a 1798 wartime law, the Alien Enemies Act, allowing the deportation of Venezuelan migrants alleged to be gang affiliates, freeing at least 46 Americans held abroad, and executing airstrikes in Yemen against Houthi forces targeting international shipping.
Trump hopes for a breakthrough in Iranian negotiations.
This month, the administration also began direct diplomatic engagements with Iran over its nuclear ambitions, marking a fresh attempt to address one of its most complicated foreign policy dilemmas.
Trump claims positive movement is occurring toward a deal with Iran concerning Iran’s swiftly advancing nuclear program.
After meeting with Putin, Witkoff continued to Oman on Saturday for further discussions, representing the third interaction between U.S. and Iranian officials this month.
In 2015, world powers, including the U.S., reached a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran to curb uranium enrichment in return for lifting economic sanctions. However, Trump withdrew from this arrangement in 2018, labeling it as the “worst deal ever.”
Since then, Iran has accelerated its uranium enrichment efforts.
Trump indicated on Friday his willingness to meet with Iranian leaders, while not ruling out military options—a stance advocated by U.S. allies like Israel.
As he shifts towards diplomatic avenues, domestic advocates for a hardline approach are urging caution in his quest for a historic agreement.
“If a deal emerges, it could empower the Iranians to claim they compelled the same individual who abandoned the previous agreement to accept another one, further weakening the U.S. position,” noted Behnam Ben Taleblu, an expert on Iranian affairs.
Nevertheless, Trump remains eager for a swift resolution.
“I believe a deal is imminent,” Trump said on Sunday, “and it will come about very soon.”
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