As the world watched aimlessly for the next President elect of the United States of America, a surprising demographic displayed comedic congratulations to Donald J. Trump insinuating that his presidency would have a better influence in Africa than his opponent VP Kamala Harris. Donald Trump's presidential run from 2016 to 2020 had several indirect and direct effects on African people in Africa but the influx of miseducation has circled through social media channels from supporters in the African diaspora seem to say otherwise. The policies, statements, and actions he made during his presidency was strongly related to foreign diplomacy, trade, aid and immigration which ultimately affected international relations. While Trump's rhetoric and actions were primarily focused on domestic American concerns, they had significant implications for African nations and populations in various ways.

   Under President Trump’s first term, U.S. relations with African countries were often strained or characterized by a lack of critical engagement. Trump’s presidency saw a notable shift from the policies of his predecessors, particularly President Barack Obama, who left a negative impression on Africa due to the military homicide of Mummah Gaddafi of Libya.

   Trump's infamous comments, such as referring to African nations as "shithole countries" during a 2018 meeting on immigration, sparked widespread condemnation across the continent. The derogatory nature of these remarks not only caused diplomatic tension but also negatively impacted America's image in Africa, where many people felt disrespected.

   Unlike the Obama administration, which launched major initiatives such as the Power Africa program (to expand electricity access across the continent) and the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Trump’s administration showed less interest in direct, proactive engagement with African nations. Many African leaders expressed frustration with the lack of a coherent and forward-thinking policy on the continent usually dealing with foreign aid deals.

 Trump’s immigration policies also had ramifications for African immigrants and the diaspora, especially those in the U.S. or seeking to enter the country.

  One of Trump's first actions as president was the implementation of a controversial travel ban, which disproportionately affected individuals from Muslim-majority countries, some of which were in Africa, such as Libya, Sudan, and Somalia. This restricted the ability of Africans to travel to the U.S. for education, business, or asylum, creating a sense of exclusion.

  Trump's administration moved to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of certain African countries, such as Sudan and Somalia. Many African migrants had been granted TPS due to ongoing conflicts or natural disasters in their home countries. The move caused distress among African communities, as it put hundreds of thousands of people at risk of deportation.

  Trump's rhetoric and policies also contributed to a more negative public perception of African immigrants in the U.S. This had a ripple effect on African communities, especially those in the diaspora, who faced increased discrimination and xenophobia as a result of the Trump administration’s policies. Trump's approach to trade was focused on "America First," which often translated into a more protectionist stance, leaving many African nations concerned about the future of trade relations.

   The African Growth and Opportunity Act, a trade initiative that provided preferential access to U.S. markets for eligible Sub-Saharan African countries, was at risk under Trump's administration. While Trump didn’t outright cancel AGOA, there were concerns about his administration potentially abandoning or renegotiating such agreements. For African economies heavily reliant on exports, especially in the agricultural and textile sectors, any significant changes to AGOA could have had adverse effects.

The over-exploitation of Africa’s natural resources is an argument that divides African citizens and expats because most African nations suffer from a lack of internal resources. Though African governments are threatened by lack of funds for exports, the citizens can benefit from having their resources prioritized for their local communities. 

  One of the key elements of Trump’s foreign policy toward Africa was the perception that China was growing its influence on the continent. Trump’s economic focus was on competing with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which had been investing heavily in African infrastructure. However, while Trump publicly criticized China's influence in Africa, the U.S. did not offer comparable investment, and the emphasis was on strengthening the American economic presence through private sector partnerships. Many African nations viewed this as insufficient compared to China's investments. Though Donald Trump tries to use manipulative language as if he’s belittling China’s interest in Africa for the greater good of Africa, it is evident that Trump’s goals are for America’s interests only.

Despite the proposed cuts, Trump did continue to support some health initiatives, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. But his administration did show indifference to other global health challenges, including malaria and maternal health, which disproportionately affect African populations.

 Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017 had indirect consequences for African nations. Many African countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change, and their development is closely tied to international efforts to reduce emissions and fund climate adaptation programs. Trump's stance on environmental policies raised concerns among African leaders about future support for climate resilience.

Trump’s administration moved to reduce the U.S. military footprint in Africa. Notably, there were discussions about withdrawing troops from Somalia and other regions with U.S. military engagements. While the U.S. maintained counterterrorism operations, particularly targeting groups like Boko Haram in West Africa and al-Shabaab in Somalia, African leaders expressed concerns about the long-term impact of reduced U.S. involvement in regional security.

Trump was often criticized for his favorable relations with autocratic leaders in Africa. For example, he had a cordial relationship with leaders like Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, whose government faced accusations of human rights violations. This was seen as a stark contrast to the more critical stance that prior U.S. administrations had taken toward authoritarian regimes.

   The Trump administration reduced U.S. funding for the United Nations and other international institutions. This affected the ability of these organizations to respond to crises in Africa, such as the humanitarian situations in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Sahel region. While African nations sought greater international cooperation to address their challenges, Trump's foreign policy approach often undermined multilateral efforts. Trump’s administration also cut funding and reduced funding for the FDA, CDC and other health-related institutions with international branches. 

Moreover, his policies toward immigration, foreign aid, and climate change, alongside his general “MAGA” stance, often left African nations feeling marginalized on the global stage, and many of these issues continue to influence U.S.-Africa relations today.