By Narayan Prasad Mishra

The United States of America has no long history, unlike dozens of other countries, including Nepal, on the globe. Its history is less than 250 years old, counting from 1776, the year of the Declaration of Independence. However, it is one of the world's most developed and wealthy countries. It has 50 states and ranked fourth among the ten largest countries in the world by total area — Russia, Canada, China, the United States, Brazil, Australia, India, Argentina, Kazakhstan, and Algeria. 

It was a democratic country that valued human rights, equality, and justice and propagated these ideals globally. The U.S. historically advanced democratic societies worldwide. Its presidents, such as George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson, were renowned globally for their contribution to promoting democratic values. This country stood in the world as a beacon of democratic values — fundamental rights, human rights, equality, justice, and an independent judiciary. It was also globally known as a country advocating for free speech, gender equality, and fair governance. 

The impeachment of President Nixon was an exemplary case that demonstrated that no one was above the law in a true democracy. The U.S. played a pivotal role in world peace by supporting organizations like the United Nations and its agencies and strengthening multilateral partnerships on critical global issues. Nepal was and is particularly grateful to this country for its support in achieving United Nations membership in 1955 and for its assistance and cooperation in development. My late beloved wife, Shanti Mishra, and I, along with many other Nepalese, were forever grateful to this country for providing us with library education, which became the backbone of our knowledge in creating the Tribhuvan University Central Library.

A picture of President Donald Trump's Oath Taking Ceremony

The United States aided developing nations through financial assistance, trade opportunities, and technological collaboration. Its programs focused on poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare, helping to reduce global inequality. It also supported grassroots movements for democracy and human rights, particularly in authoritarian regimes. Furthermore, it emphasized ethical business practices and sustainable development worldwide. Additionally, this country provided humanitarian aid during crises, such as natural disasters or conflicts, reinforcing its role as a benevolent global leader.  

However, recently, this historical role has shifted significantly. On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump assumed the presidency of this mighty country. As soon as he became president, he signed a series of executive actions within hours of taking office, revoking 78 of former President Joe Biden's policies. Among these orders, he pardoned more than 1,000 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. These "full, complete, and unconditional" pardons were extended to individuals convicted of some of the most egregious offenses during that attack. Additionally, the Trump administration withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (5things@newsletters.cnn.com, January 21, 2025).

The decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement marked a significant departure from global efforts to combat climate change. By stepping away, the U.S. undermined a key framework aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This move left other nations, especially developing countries, vulnerable to climate change impacts and without a leading partner to push for sustainable solutions. Similarly, withdrawing from the World Health Organization at a time when global health threats such as pandemics and emerging diseases require unified responses further signaled a retreat from cooperative internationalism.

Domestically, these actions reflected a prioritization of partisan interests and nationalistic policies. On a global scale, they weakened the trust and partnerships that the U.S. had spent decades building. Developing nations, including Nepal that had historically benefited from U.S. aid and advocacy, could face uncertainty and reduced support. The global shift away from multilateralism could embolden authoritarian regimes, reducing the influence of democratic ideals and values.

As the English proverb says, "Morning shows the day." The above-mentioned executive orders of President Trump undoubtedly indicate where he is heading and what his national and international policies will be. His actions suggest a visible departure from the traditional role of this nation as a justice-loving country based on facts and truths, as shown by releasing convicted individuals with complete pardons. It undermined the notable, unforgettable culture this country established that no one would be above the law and evidence in carrying justice in that land by the impeachment of President Nixon during the Watergate Scandal. Furthermore, by withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and WHO, he signaled that the U.S. was no longer committed to world peace and prosperity through global cooperation.  

This shift appears to align more with partisan priorities than national or global well-being. It seems Trump is governing primarily for his supporters, akin to political leaders in developing nations who prioritize party over the nation when in power. This is a great tragedy for the world.  

Still, I hope that the good people of his Republican Party will do their best to guide him toward the path of righteousness and reestablish the U.S. as a benevolent global leader.

    narayanshanti70@gmail.com