US Ends Regime Change Policy Under Trump Era
On Friday, October 31, 2025, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard addressed officials from the Middle East at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, announcing a major shift in American foreign policy.
According to reports by the Associated Press, The Washington Post, and UNN, Gabbard declared that the United States' long-standing strategy of "regime change or nation building" has officially ended under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Historic Announcement at Security Summit
The statement was made during the annual Manama Dialogue, a security summit organized by the International Institute for Security Studies. Gabbard, a former Congresswoman from Hawaii and a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, criticized previous policies sharply.
"For decades, our foreign policy has been trapped in a counterproductive and endless cycle of regime change or nation building."
"It was a one-size-fits-all approach, of toppling regimes, trying to impose our system of governance on others, intervene in conflicts that were barely understood and walk away with more enemies than allies."
"The results: Trillions spent, countless lives lost and in many cases, the creation of greater security threats."
Summary
This declaration reflects a broad realignment in U.S. foreign policy, moving away from interventionist strategies toward more cautious engagement.
Author’s Conclusion
The end of regime change policies marks a pivotal moment, signaling a more restrained and pragmatic approach to international relations under Trump's leadership.