The Trump administration portrays its America First investment initiative as proof that US economic, military, and diplomatic leverage can be turned into financial gains, correcting what it calls "unbalanced" relationships with allies. Often an explicit quid pro quo for tariff relief; the White House has announced more than $5 trillion in investment pledges from partner governments, including dozens of projects in strategic sectors. But these unprecedented deals raise key questions: How are they structured and enforced? Can partners realistically finance their commitments? And which parts of the US economy stand to benefit? Drawing on their new PIIE Policy Brief, Gregory Auclair and Adnan Mazarei discuss what these agreements could mean for the United States and the global economy.
MODERATOR
Anna Gelpern
Nonresident Senior Fellow, PIIE
SPEAKERS
Gregory Auclair
Statistician and Quality Control Coordinator, PIIE
Adnan Mazarei
Nonresident Senior Fellow, PIIE