Trump Transforms US Into 'World's Rogue Policeman'

The president is wielding power not on behalf of principle but in the service of personal gain and autocratic control.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The article argues that under President Trump, the United States has abandoned its role as a global 'good cop' and instead embraced a 'bad cop' approach to foreign policy, disregarding international law and institutions in pursuit of personal and political gain. The author draws parallels between Trump's actions and the misconduct of corrupt police officers, warning that the president's reckless use of military force and disregard for sovereignty could have grave consequences.

Why it matters

This shift in US foreign policy under Trump represents a significant departure from the country's historical role as a global leader upholding international norms and principles. The author argues that Trump's 'rogue cop' approach, driven by self-interest rather than principle, poses a threat to global stability and the rules-based international order.

The details

The article traces the history of the US as a 'world policeman,' from Teddy Roosevelt's vision of using American power to intervene in other countries, to Obama's 'humanitarian intervention' in Libya, which had disastrous consequences. In contrast, Trump has shown no regard for international law, openly embracing a 'law of the jungle' approach and using military force to advance his personal and political interests, such as in Venezuela and Greenland. The author also highlights Trump's efforts to profit from his foreign policy decisions, including through deals like the 'Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity' in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

  • In 2025, police across the United States killed 98 unarmed people, the majority people of color.
  • Between 2019 and 2022, misconduct by more than 1,000 dirty cops in Chicago cost the city nearly $300 million in court judgments.

The players

Donald Trump

The current president of the United States, who the author argues has abandoned the country's historical role as a global 'good cop' in favor of a 'bad cop' approach driven by self-interest and a disregard for international law.

Barack Obama

A former US president who the author cites as attempting to use military power to prevent a dictator from slaughtering his own citizens in Libya, though the aftermath of that intervention was disastrous.

Teddy Roosevelt

A former US president who the author says first dreamed of raising the United States to the status of 'world policeman,' justifying interventions both in the Western Hemisphere and farther afield.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

A former congressional advocate for Trump who parted ways with the president on issues like the intervention in Venezuela.

Mark Carney

The prime minister of Canada, who the author says was banned from Trump's 'Board of Peace' after giving a speech at Davos trying to rally middle powers against rule-breaking great powers.

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What they’re saying

“We desperately need a US president who is able and willing to lead the free world and counter autocrats like President Putin. The world needs such a policeman if freedom and prosperity are to prevail against the forces of oppression, and the only capable, reliable, and desirable candidate for the position is the United States.”

— Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Former NATO head (2023)

“We're spending tremendous amounts of money for decades policing the world, and that shouldn't be the priority. We want to police ourselves and we want to rebuild our country.”

— Donald Trump (2018)

“My own morality. My own mind. It's the only thing that can stop me. I don't need international law.”

— Donald Trump (New York Times)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.