Stratfor, Jan. 20, 2017 – Shortly after the Jan. 20 inaugurations, the new administration of President Donald Trump posted several statements on the White House website specifying its plans to address key issues. The team announced plans to develop an advanced missile defense system to rebuff attacks from Iran and North Korea. The statement did not specify the nature of the program. The United States has a multi-layered missile defense system started under former President Ronald Reagan. Neither Iran nor North Korea have the proven ability to strike the United States. Additionally, the administration said it plans to achieve energy independence from OPEC and hostile countries while working with Gulf Cooperation Council allies. On trade, the White House said it will pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and offer renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The United States, the statement said, will withdraw from NAFTA too if new terms are not accepted by the other members. It did not specify policies on tariffs or trade retaliation. The administration also reiterated its pledge to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. As the president takes office, his foreign policy priorities are taking shape in line with his campaign promises.
