Another crucial presidential task is maintaining America’s role as a world leader. A president sets the tone for the nation’s relationships with other governments. His goals and actions—including meeting with foreign leaders, often in tough negotiations—make up his foreign policy. For Donald Trump (2017-2021), a key foreign policy aim was to force China to change what he said were unfair trading practices with the U.S. Presidents also appoint ambassadors who represent the U.S. to foreign nations. What’s more, the president has the power to negotiate treaties—formal agreements with other countries. Treaties serve important functions, such as ending wars or promoting trade. Such agreements need Senate approval, however.
