President-elect Donald Trump has delivered a powerful and unmistakable message to adversaries like Iran and Hamas: under his leadership, the rules of engagement will change dramatically.
In recent weeks, Trump’s statements have signalled a return to a more rigid, aggressive U.S. posture that could reshape how America deals with hostile actors.
Two weeks ago, Trump issued a direct warning on his Truth Social platform, stating that Hamas would face “ALL HELL TO PAY” if it failed to release its hostages before his January 20th inauguration.
Trump declared that “those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America.”
Pressed during a follow-up press conference to clarify his position, Trump maintained his characteristic ambiguity. “They’re going to have to determine what that means, but it means it won’t be pleasant,” he said. This calculated vagueness reflects Trump’s negotiating style: keep adversaries guessing while projecting strength and resolve.
Trump’s blunt tone contrasts sharply with the Biden administration’s restrained and diplomatic approach to the hostage crisis. While current leadership has been criticised for its muted response, Trump’s rhetoric invokes an era of uncompromising American resolve, drawing comparisons to leaders like Andrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt.
Unlike traditional foreign policy doctrines—whether realist, interventionist, or isolationist—Trump’s approach defies easy classification.
His strategy is rooted in the hard-nosed negotiation tactics he honed during his decades in Manhattan’s competitive real estate world.
Trump’s unique ability to escalate threats while remaining unpredictable creates a distinct psychological advantage.
This unpredictability forces adversaries like Iran and Hamas into uncertainty. Trump operates under the principle that “it’s better to be feared than loved,” but adds a strategic twist: it’s even better to be feared and unpredictable. This dynamic has proven effective in past negotiations, enabling him to leverage his unconventional style for geopolitical gains.
Trump enters his second presidency with fewer hurdles than he faced in 2016. Back then, his administration was plagued by the Russiagate investigation, fueled by allegations of collusion with a foreign adversary. This cloud hung over Trump’s leadership, impeding his ability to govern freely in the early years.
This time, the landscape is notably different. Legal challenges, including Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations, appear to be receding, leaving Trump with fewer encumbrances. The absence of these distractions positions him to act more decisively on both domestic and foreign fronts.
Moreover, Trump’s victory is more decisive than his first. Unlike in 2016, when critics pointed to his Electoral College win despite losing the popular vote, Trump now claims a clear popular mandate. His victory has been met with far less public resistance, with no widespread protests or allegations of fraud. A recent CBS poll shows that 59% of Americans approve of Trump’s transition—a significant improvement over his first term.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has largely faded from public view, raising questions about his leadership in the waning days of his presidency.
Biden’s low profile during this transition period starkly contrasts Trump’s commanding presence.
Unlike Hillary Clinton, who bitterly contested Trump’s 2016 win, Biden’s departure seems quieter.
If Biden harbours any frustrations, they may lie with the internal dynamics of the Democratic Party that prevented him from securing a second term nomination.
This lack of opposition has further amplified Trump’s influence.
As Biden retreats, Trump dominates the narrative, consolidating his position as a decisive and vocal leader at home and abroad.
Trump’s bold warnings and aggressive tone mark the beginning of a new chapter in U.S. foreign policy. His approach—direct, uncompromising, and unpredictable—has set the stage for a significant shift in how America deals with its adversaries. While success is never guaranteed, Trump’s clear messaging and political momentum offer him a stronger foundation than he had at the start of his first term.
For Iran, Hamas, and other hostile actors, Trump’s message is clear: the days of muted responses are over. The U.S. under his leadership will not hesitate to act—and they would be wise to take him seriously.
As Trump prepares to take office, the world watches with bated breath, knowing that this time, his threats carry a weight that cannot be ignored.
