Opinion

The article argues that President Trump’s approach has weakened America’s global influence, making it disliked by allies like Canada and not feared by adversaries like Iran. It questions whether this is a temporary phase or a more profound decline for the United States. The author expresses concern that Trump reflects and amplifies negative aspects of the American psyche, potentially signaling a descent after reaching a peak.

• Canada has shown contempt for US bullying under Trump’s presidency.
• Iran mocks Trump’s predictions of a swift victory.
• Trump’s ‘speak loudly and carry a puny strand of spaghetti’ approach is seen as an embarrassment and an opening for Russia and China.
• Machiavelli’s warning about being hated but not feared is applied to the US under Trump.
• The author hopes this is a temporary phase of ‘insanity’ that will end in 2029.
• A contrasting view suggests Trump is an expression of America’s id and resentments, signaling a decline.
• Trump has exploited an ‘ugly’ aspect of the American soul, likened to a burlesque performer.
• Despite this, a majority of Americans reportedly disapprove of Trump’s presidency and value the idea of America as an ideal.
  Continue reading https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/27/opinion/trump-canada-trade-war-dolly-parton.html