President Joe Biden Faces Growing Concerns on World Stage as Leaders Shift Focus to President Donald Trump

President Joe Biden’s trip to South America this week for a series of leaders' summits is set against a backdrop of shifting global dynamics, with many world leaders already pivoting their attention to a potential return of former President Donald Trump.

Biden had hoped for a diplomatic victory lap, showcasing the enduring success of his administration’s foreign policies. Instead, he finds himself navigating a delicate landscape marked by uncertainty, as questions emerge about the long-term stability of American leadership. Despite his efforts to restore global alliances and strengthen America’s position after the tumult of the Trump years, Biden’s presence in Lima and Rio de Janeiro this week is overshadowed by concerns about his successor.

At the heart of the unease is the growing realization among many foreign leaders that the U.S. political landscape may soon shift back to Trump’s “America First” policies, which could lead to dramatic changes in foreign relations. While Biden’s team has worked hard to convince the world that "America is back," many international leaders are already preparing for the possibility of a Trump resurgence. Several have reportedly rekindled ties with the former president, aiming to secure meetings with him during his time in Palm Beach, signaling their shifting priorities.

The APEC and G20 summits in Lima and Rio de Janeiro were meant to be moments for Biden to strengthen America’s global partnerships, but the atmosphere at these gatherings is expected to be fraught with tension. As Biden faces his final months in office, world leaders are keenly aware of the uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S. foreign policy. Some are even discussing how to insulate their economies from potential volatility, with many feeling that the Biden administration’s policies may be short-lived if Trump returns to power.

“It’s very clear that’s all they’re thinking about,” a senior U.S. official remarked. “Despite the summits, all anyone can think about is what’s happening in Washington, D.C.”

Biden’s itinerary for the week reflects the changing nature of his leadership. Aside from meeting with the hosts of the summits in Peru and Brazil, Biden will have one-on-one talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He will also hold trilateral discussions with the leaders of Japan and South Korea, but the focus on Trump remains a key backdrop. In fact, the South Korean leader recently expressed his intention to meet with Trump, even dusting off his golf clubs in preparation for a round with the former president.

Biden’s entourage for the trip is also smaller than usual, underscoring the more subdued nature of this visit. The administration’s agenda for the summits is light, with lower expectations and a sense that the global stage is already looking ahead to the next U.S. president. According to some observers, many members of Biden’s foreign policy team are already eyeing their next opportunities, a reflection of the uncertain political environment in Washington.

While Biden remains committed to reaffirming U.S. alliances and promoting American values on the world stage, the looming question of Trump’s potential return casts a long shadow. Biden’s trip to South America, which could have been a crowning moment for his foreign policy achievements, instead marks a period of reflection on the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead.

As the world prepares for a turbulent political transition in the United States, Biden’s message of cooperation and stability may resonate less with international leaders who are already focused on securing their futures in a post-Biden world.