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2020 presidential candidates on foreign policy
 Donald Trump Joe Biden Howie Hawkins Jo Jorgensen |
This page includes statements from the 2020 presidential candidates on foreign policy. These statements were compiled from each candidate's official campaign website, editorials, speeches, and interviews. Click the following links for policy statements about related issues: Russia, North Korea, Middle East and North Africa, and South and Central America.
The candidates featured on this page are the 2020 presidential nominees from the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, and Green parties.
Donald Trump Joe Biden Howie Hawkins Jo Jorgensen
Foreign policy
Republican candidates
Donald Trump
Donald Trump's campaign website says, "President Trump has gone around the globe working to restore America’s prominence in global diplomacy. South Korea and Japan pledged to build closer defense collaboration with the United States, and the President underscored the commitment of the United States to providing advanced military equipment. In Saudi Arabia, President Trump pushed for a coalition of nations to confront Iran and attended the opening of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology. President Trump followed through on his promise and recognized Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and directed the relocation of the U.S. Embassy. Under President Trump, the United States has worked tirelessly to combat extremism and stick up for religious minorities." [source, as of 2020-06-22]
Mark Sanford
Mark Sanford's campaign website says, "I believe in Teddy Roosevelt's notion of speaking softly, but carrying a big stick. To do this, we must maintain a strong economy, because economic supremacy has always been the precursor to military supremacy. Among other things, this once again ties back to our own debt as a threat to our ability to protect power and maintain our place in the world. I also believe that the international trading system, created after World War Two, vital to America’s foreign policy. In this light, stability and predictability are important. Friends and foes alike need to have a sense of what America will do next. Alliances and investments are not made without predictability. We are not getting this from the White House and I believe the increasing talks of tariffs, and the seemingly daily changes of presidential perspective are undermining our standing in the world." [source, as of 2019-09-10]
Joe Walsh
In an interview on MSNBC, Joe Walsh said, "We've got a president right now who gives a bear-hug, a man hug to Putin and Kim Jong-un and he stiff-arms our allies. I think we need to flip that around a little bit...When you and I were little boys, Russia was the enemy, our own FBI, they were the good guys. Donald Trump has flipped this around. He's disloyal. This will be one of the most dangerous long-term impacts of the Trump administration, how they have declared war on our own intelligence community." When asked whether he felt Russia should be readmitted to the Group of Seven, Walsh continued, "No, and I still think Putin must have something on him. It does not explain Donald Trump's subservient behavior." [source, as of 2019-08-26]
Bill Weld
Bill Weld said in a speech, "In fairness to young adults in the military, they should not be asked to risk their lives in order to engineer regime changes in foreign countries at the whim of the US government, in the absence of any substantial threat to the United States."
Weld also said in an interview, "I would include issues like free trade and a robust engagement in foreign policy and robust use of soft power and diplomacy. Mr. Trump doesn’t do any of that because he thinks he’s the only person that knows anything. He has no use for soft power or diplomacy or, indeed, planning ahead. He likes to have a summit on no notice and with no preparation. There’s a reason why over the years, people thought that successful diplomacy required careful preparation and debriefing of the people who are going to conduct the negotiation." [source, as of 2019-02-15]
Democratic candidates
Joe Biden
Joe Biden's campaign website lists the following foreign policy goals: "Defend our Vital Interests: As president, Biden will never hesitate to protect the American people, including when necessary, by using force. We have the strongest military in the world—and as president, Biden will ensure it stays that way. End Forever Wars: Biden will end the forever wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East, which have cost us untold blood and treasure. Elevate Diplomacy: As president, Biden will elevate diplomacy as the premier tool of our global engagement. He will rebuild a modern, agile U.S. Department of State—investing in and re-empowering the finest diplomatic corps in the world and leveraging the full talent and richness of America’s diversity. Restore and Reimagine Partnerships: A Biden administration will do more than restore our historic partnerships; it will lead the effort to reimagine them for the future. Renew our Commitment to Arms Control for a New Era Rally the World to Address the Existential Climate Crisis: The Biden administration will rejoin the Paris Climate Accord on day one and lead a major diplomatic push to raise the ambitions of countries’ climate targets." [source, as of 2020-06-18]
Michael Bloomberg
Mike Bloomberg's campaign website says, "Mike has built global coalitions of mayors to share strategies and spread proven solutions to cities around the world. As a philanthropist, he has deepened these efforts, working with local leaders and heads of state to implement ambitious agendas that cover everything from public health to climate change. As president, Mike will restore global respect to the White House. Under the Bloomberg administration, the world will know it can work in good faith with the United States, because it has already seen and experienced Mike’s leadership firsthand."
Bloomberg's website continues, "Mike is the president of the board of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, a network of the world’s megacities dedicated to finding and implementing proven climate solutions. Mike was appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as Special Envoy for Climate Action, with the charge of supporting the UNSG’s climate strategy and mobilizing support for a more ambitious approach to fighting climate change. Mike served as the World Health Organization’s Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries, supporting global efforts to protect people and save lives by helping to spread proven solutions and building partnerships between cities and local leaders. Mike is the founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, whose mission is to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. It has worked in 510 cities and 129 countries. Mike created the Bloomberg Global Business Forum and the New Economy Forum, both of which bring together government and business leaders to collaborate and find solutions to big challenges. Mike created the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative, which brings together seven of the world’s largest financial institutions with the goal of helping to fund and support ambitious climate plans." [source, as of 2019-12-11]
Cory Booker
Cory Booker's campaign website says, "The United States is facing new and evolving threats to our security and to global stability, but the Trump Administration’s reckless approach to foreign policy is violating our values, undermining the Constitution, and making us less safe. As president, Cory will lead with our values, stand with our allies and partners, restore Congress’ role in the use of military force, and confront 21st century challenges."
The website lists six national security-related foreign policy priorities, including, "Work closely with our allies, not isolate ourselves from them. Form a responsible and comprehensive strategy for military operations that recognizes the constitutional requirements for congressional authorization. Invest in robust humanitarian assistance. Empower diplomacy and a fully functioning diplomatic corps. Protect our democracy from foreign interference by strengthening our election security. Give our men and women in uniform the support they deserve, and when they come home show them the commitment they showed us." [source, as of 2019-08-27]
Pete Buttigieg
Pete Buttigieg's campaign website says, "Security means a foreign policy that puts the values, goals, and national security interests of American citizens above personal political interests. We need to fundamentally rethink our foreign policy to help America lead and shape a better world for our future. The next president will have to restore American credibility on the world stage and establish a new and higher standard for the deployment of U.S. military force. It’s time to put an end to endless war and focus on how best to use America’s strengths to address future threats, including climate security as a key basis for diplomacy. Pete is committed to reinventing institutions of international engagement to address 21st century challenges and opportunities and to reversing the rise of authoritarianism abroad while revitalizing democratic capitalism and our democracy at home." [source, as of 2019-08-21]
Julián Castro
Castro said the following about foreign policy in an interview with ABC, "I believe that today the greatest threat to our national security is the fact that this president is damaging the relationships that we’ve had in place in the post-World War II era, whether it’s NATO or other alliances with individual countries, that have kept us safer. The first thing that I would do if I were president with regard to our relationships around the world is to strengthen them, because those alliances can help keep us safe." [source, as of 2019-01-06]
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard's campaign website says, "As president, I will lead this country to bring about a bold change in our foreign policy that bends the arc of history away from war and towards peace. That stops wasting our resources, and our lives on regime change wars, and redirects our focus and energy towards peace and prosperity for all people. The time is now to give up the gunboat diplomacy of the past, and instead, work out our differences with communication, negotiations, and goodwill." [source, as of 2019-09-26]
Kamala D. Harris
Kamala Harris' campaign website says, "Kamala believes that requires American leadership and a president who holds true to our values at home and abroad. That means America must fight alongside friends and allies – not alone. During his time in the White House, President Trump has undermined the partnerships and institutions we’ve spent decades building in every corner of the world. Kamala believes America is stronger when we invest in our critical relationships and alliances – from NATO, to key partners like Japan, India, Mexico, and Korea. Whether it’s the nuclear threat of North Korea and Iran, chaos and oppression in Venezuela, or confronting China’s unfair trade practices, the U.S. is most effective at confronting global challenges when we work in lockstep with our partners."
Her website continues, "As president, Kamala will invest in new technology to fortify America’s critical infrastructure, including by passing her Secure Elections Act to protect against foreign interference in our democracy. She’ll immediately re-enter the Paris Agreement and make climate cooperation a key diplomatic priority for the United States. And she’ll confront white supremacy by re-establishing the Domestic Terror Intelligence Unit and reversing President Trump’s cuts to programs designed to combat white nationalism. As president, she’ll end the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and protracted military engagements in places like Syria. But she’ll do so responsibly – by consulting our Generals and Ambassadors, not via tweet. She’ll reinvigorate our diplomatic corps and State Department. She’ll continue her unshakable support for Israel and work towards a two-State solution so that Palestinians and Israelis can govern themselves in security, dignity, and peace. She’ll stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, but without isolating the United States diplomatically and risking an unnecessary war. Most importantly, unlike President Trump, Kamala will prioritize the needs of America’s servicemembers, military families, and veterans, just as they’ve prioritized the needs of our nation. That means defending the Department of Veterans Affairs against corporate privatization attempts, expanding our investment in veterans health care, and reversing President Trump’s illegal and immoral ban on transgender service members." [source, as of 2019-08-20]
Amy Klobuchar
Amy Klobuchar's campaign website says, "Amy believes that we need to stand strong — and consistently — with our allies and that we must respect our frontline troops, diplomats and intelligence officers, who are out there every day risking their lives for our country, and deserve better than foreign policy by tweet. She would invest in diplomacy and rebuild the State Department and modernize our military to stay one step ahead of China and Russia, including with serious investments in cybersecurity."
Klobuchar's campaign also published a plan for her first 100 days in office which says she will, "Rebuild our relationship with our allies and restore America’s standing in the world.", "Restore freedom to travel to and trade with Cuba.", "Reverse dramatic proposed funding cuts to diplomacy and foreign assistance.", "Impose full sanctions on Russia for hostile act against the United States and its allies.", "Work to re-enter the Iran nuclear agreement.", "Reduce State Department vacancies.", "Curtail arms transfers and other support for the war in Yemen.", and "Protect funding for the Northern Triangle." [source, as of 2019-06-18]
Beto O'Rourke
Beto O'Rourke's campaign website contains a national security plan that states the following: "Our power rests in our unyielding commitment to our values and our leadership at home and abroad. And as the world creeps towards authoritarianism, we need to defend those values—now more than ever—not with unnecessary wars, but with bold leadership on the international stage."
O'Rourke's website continues, "That means standing up against the rise of authoritarianism around the world and protecting our democracy from interference here at home; focusing on diplomacy, development, and defense, rather than supporting brutal campaigns like Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen; restoring our relationships with our allies, instead of cozying up to dictators; and reestablishing our leadership of our own Hemisphere by investing in stability and peace in Central America—and combating hate crimes here at home." [source, as of 2019-08-27]
Bernie Sanders
Bernie Sanders campaign website says, "The U.S. must lead the world in improving international cooperation in the fight against climate change, militarism, authoritarianism, and global inequality."
His website says that he will: "Implement a foreign policy which focuses on democracy, human rights, diplomacy and peace, and economic fairness. Allow Congress to reassert its Constitutional role in warmaking, so that no president can wage unauthorized and unconstitutional interventions overseas. Follow the American people, who do not want endless war. American troops have been in Afghanistan for nearly 18 years, the longest war in American history. Our troops have been in Iraq since 2003, and in Syria since 2015, and many other places. It is long past time for Congress to reassert its Constitutional authority over the use of force to responsibly end these interventions and bring our troops home. End U.S. support for the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, which has created the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe. Rejoin the Iran nuclear agreement and talk to Iran on a range of other issues. Work with pro-democracy forces around the world to build societies that work for and protect all people. In the United States, Europe, and elsewhere, democracy is under threat by forces of intolerance, corruption, and authoritarianism." [source, as of 2019-08-23]
Thomas Steyer
Tom Steyer's campaign website does not include a position on foreign policy.
His website says about international agreements in the context of climate change, "Join the international Powering Past Coal Alliance, work to end global finance for coal-fired power plants, and strengthen and improve accountability procedures for enforcing human rights and environmental requirements for projects that receive funding through the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and other international finance mechanisms. Lead a global plan to help prevent, address, and reduce climate-related disasters, including supporting pre-disaster resilience planning and investment, and helping protect the human rights of the growing number of people displaced by these disasters domestically and globally." [source, as of 2019-09-10]
Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Warren's campaign website says, "From endless wars that strain military families to trade policies that crush our middle class, Washington’s foreign policy today serves the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of everyone else."
Her website continues, "For too long, our economic policies have left workers with the short end of the stick. We need to strengthen labor standards – and then fight to enforce them. That’s why Elizabeth will oppose Trump’s new “NAFTA 2.0” unless he produces a better deal for America’s working families. It’s time to stop prioritizing corporate profits over American paychecks. A strong military should act as a deterrent so that most of the time, we won’t have to use it. We must continue to be vigilant about the threat of terrorism, but it’s time to bring our troops home – and make sure they get support and benefits they’ve earned. We should also leverage all the tools of our national power, not just our military might. That means cutting our bloated defense budget and ending the stranglehold of defense contractors on our military policy. It means reinvesting in diplomacy and standing with our allies to advance our shared interests. It means new solutions to new global challenges, from cybersecurity to the existential threat posed by climate change. Our strength abroad is generated here at home. Policies that undermine working families in this country also erode our strength in the world. It’s time for a foreign policy that works for all Americans, not just wealthy elites." [source, as of 2019-08-26]
Andrew Yang
Andrew Yang's website says, "My first principles concerning foreign policy are restraint and judgment - we should be very judicious about projecting force and have clear goals that we know we can accomplish. We should treat our men and women in the armed services as the brave and self-sacrificing leaders that they are, both during and after their deployments. If I send young men and women into harm’s way, they will know that vital national interests are at stake and there is a clear plan for them to achieve their goal in a reasonable time frame."
Yang's website lists the following proposals: "Work with our allies to rebuild our stature in the world, and strengthen alliances such as NATO. Reinvest in diplomacy and bolster funding to the State Department. Work with allies to project our combined strength throughout the world, without engaging in activities that will cost American lives and money with no clear benefit to our long-term well-being. Sign a repeal to the AUMF, returning the authority to declare war to Congress, and refuse to engage in anything other than emergency military activity without the express consent of Congress. Regularly audit the Department of Defense. Focus our federal budget on fixing problems at home instead of spending trillions of dollars abroad." [source, as of 2019-08-29]
Green candidates
Howie Hawkins
Howie Hawkins' campaign website says, "I will also center our ecosocialist Green New Deal on the third existential threat: nuclear war. Capitalism’s competitive economic structure yields a conflict-ridden international system that generates endless wars. Sooner or later, wars will lead to nuclear annihilation if we don’t change the system and abolish nuclear weapons. An enduring peace requires replacing capitalism with ecosocialism—capitalism’s nationalistic competitive militarism with ecosocialism’s international cooperative security. We will call for deep US military spending cuts and converting to a defensive military posture from today’s global military empire of over 800 foreign military bases. The savings will be a peace dividend to reinvest in a Global Green New Deal for economic human rights, clean energy, and regenerative agriculture around the world. The United States can make friends instead of enemies by using its wealth to be the world’s humanitarian superpower instead of its imperialist superpower. We will call for a recommitment to the recently abandoned arms treaties and to vigorous new negotiations for further reductions toward complete nuclear disarmament and for scaling back the world’s militaries to strictly defensive forces. We will oppose US military intervention for regime change and speak up for human rights wherever they are violated." [source, as of 2020-07-09]
Libertarian candidates
Jo Jorgensen
Jo Jorgensen says on her campaign website, "Turn America into One Giant Switzerland: Armed and Neutral – with the military force to defend America’s shores and soil against any foreign attackers or invaders. Protected by an armed citizenry and by a military laser-focused on defending America. No US involvement in foreign wars. Bring home our 200,000+ American military personnel stationed in foreign countries. No US military aid to foreign governments. No US blockades or embargoes of non-military trade. Peace.” [source, as of 2020-07-28]
Other policy pages
Criminal justice
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Energy and environmental issues
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Foreign policy
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Impeachment
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- 2020 presidential candidates on labor policy
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Trade
Footnotes
