US President Donald Trump’s aggressive foreign and economic policies are once again dominating global headlines—this time over his administration’s controversial moves involving Venezuela, alongside steep tariffs and immigration reforms that have unsettled markets and allies alike. But while Trump’s actions may offer short-term visibility and leverage, experts warn that his lack of popularity and limited political lifespan could weaken America’s long-term gains—especially when contrasted with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sustained domestic support.
Trump’s Assertive Moves Spark Global Debate
Over the past few months, Trump has pursued a series of high-impact decisions: imposing sharp tariffs that rattled global trade, proposing a hefty $100,000 H-1B visa fee affecting skilled Indian professionals, and authorizing major military action against Venezuela. The reported airstrikes and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro mark one of the most dramatic US interventions in the Western Hemisphere in decades.
While these steps have boosted Trump’s international profile, they have also intensified criticism at home and abroad, reinforcing his image as a deeply polarizing leader.
Why Experts See Modi Holding the Advantage
In an interview with India Today, renowned geopolitics expert Ian Bremmer drew a sharp contrast between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to Bremmer, Modi’s enduring popularity—spanning over a decade in office—gives India a strategic edge that the US currently lacks.
“Unlike Trump, Modi enjoys strong democratic legitimacy and continuity,” Bremmer noted. “US leadership changes every four years, which means policies can be easily reversed by the next president.”
Trump, he added, is constrained by time and public opinion. With his term ending in 2029, any short-term advantages gained from Venezuela could evaporate once a new administration takes over—much like Trump himself dismantled many of his predecessor’s policies.
Can America Truly Benefit From Venezuela’s Oil?
At the heart of the debate lies Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. But Bremmer remains skeptical about any lasting US benefit. Venezuela currently produces around 800,000 barrels of oil per day—far below its historic peak of 3 million. Reviving production, he argued, requires long-term political stability, investor confidence, and favorable energy prices.
“Oil companies think in decades, not election cycles,” Bremmer explained. “They need assurance that the political system supported by Trump will survive beyond his presidency.”
With global oil prices relatively low and Venezuela’s future uncertain, Bremmer dismissed claims that US companies would simply “take over” Venezuelan oil as exaggerated.
Popularity as a Strategic Asset
The comparison with Modi highlights a crucial geopolitical lesson: popularity and continuity matter as much as power. While Trump
may command headlines through bold actions, Modi’s sustained public support allows India to project stability—an increasingly valuable asset in global politics.
As the world watches the fallout from Trump’s Venezuela strategy, one question looms large: in the long run, does influence come from force—or from trust at home?