Throughout his initial presidency, Trump's foreign policy was characterized by a transactional approach, often emphasizing economic gains and bilateral agreements over multilateral cooperation. This approach suggested a possible inclination to evaluate African nations predominantly through the lens of economic opportunities, potentially prioritizing relationships where immediate benefits to the US were evident.

During his first term, there was a noticeable reduction in development aid and humanitarian assistance to Africa, signaling a shift from previous administrations' focus. Trump's policies were driven by a vision of reducing American financial commitments abroad, which could lead to fostering a new kind of partnership where African nations might be expected to become more self-reliant. However, this approach also risked marginalizing significant long-term strategic interests that Africa represents.

Moreover, a second term could witness an intensified focus on counterterrorism efforts in key regions such as the Sahel, where instability presents both regional and international threats. Economic policies might further lean towards facilitating US private sector investment in African markets, particularly in sectors like energy and technology, promoting mutual growth but also amplifying American influence. These shifts would reshape the underlying dynamics of US-Africa relations, potentially altering the continent's geopolitical landscape.