Trump Can Help Define His Legacy by Confronting CCP Head On

In an era of heightened geopolitical tensions, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to flex its authoritarian muscle across the globe.

Through a potent mix of soft power initiatives, legal warfare, and aggressive propaganda, the CCP seeks to undermine democracies, stifle dissent, and extend its influence far beyond its borders.

President Donald Trump has a unique opportunity to spearhead a global movement against these threats — an effort that could define his legacy as a defender of freedom.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) epitomizes the CCP’s soft power ambitions.

Under the guise of infrastructure development, the BRI has ensnared developing nations in unsustainable debt, enabling Beijing to exert disproportionate influence over their internal affairs.

From Africa to Southeast Asia, this modern-day colonialism has largely gone unchecked. Trump’s America First agenda provides a powerful counterpoint.

By prioritizing strategic alliances and supporting alternative development frameworks, the United States can expose the predatory nature of the BRI while offering sovereign nations a pathway to growth without strings attached. Trump’s direct, no-nonsense diplomacy makes him uniquely suited to rally allies in this effort.

Another insidious CCP tactic is the use of lawfare: weaponizing the legal system to target U.S. citizens and entities that challenge Beijing.

American companies, journalists, and activists have been subjected to frivolous lawsuits, legal intimidation, and economic coercion — all aimed at silencing criticism and chilling free speech.

Trump has demonstrated a willingness to confront adversaries head-on, making him well-positioned to advocate for robust legislative measures that protect Americans from these tactics.

Strengthening legal protections, revisiting politically motivated cases, and creating a framework to penalize such abuses would send a clear message: the United States will not allow its justice system to be corrupted by foreign adversaries.

One of the most troubling aspects of CCP aggression is its reach into foreign nations, where it targets dissidents and groups critical of the regime.

Shen Yun, the performing arts group known for celebrating Chinese cultural traditions and advocating for human rights, has recently faced coordinated attacks in American media.

Outlets like The New York Times have amplified narratives designed to discredit Shen Yun, mimicking the CCP’s own tactics for silencing critics.

While the claims in these reports may or may not hold merit (Shen Yun adamantly denies them), the timing and tone suggest an orchestrated campaign to undermine a group that challenges the CCP’s propaganda. The coordination and sophistication of these attacks should raise serious questions about who is truly behind them.

Trump can seize this moment by championing the rights of dissidents and organizations like Shen Yun. Calling out coordinated propaganda campaigns and defending the values of free expression and cultural preservation would demonstrate America's unwavering commitment to these principles.

Confronting the CCP’s aggression will require bold leadership and a comprehensive strategy. Trump’s focus on combating soft power threats aligns perfectly with this challenge.

His administration should prioritize exposing and countering the Belt and Road Initiative through strategic partnerships and transparency campaigns, enacting strong protections against lawfare targeting U.S. citizens and entities, and defending dissidents while exposing coordinated propaganda campaigns designed to silence critics of the CCP.

The stakes could not be higher. The CCP’s ambitions threaten not just the United States but also the principles of freedom and sovereignty worldwide.

Trump has the platform and the vision to lead this fight, ensuring that the 21st century remains a bastion of democracy rather than a battleground for authoritarian dominance.

It’s time to act. Trump’s decisive leadership can and should be the catalyst for a global stand against the CCP.

Charlie Kolean has worked as a senior policy adviser for state legislators, multinational corporations, and think tanks. Mr. Kolean has been involved in politics for over a decade as an activist, candidate, political consultant, and party leader. He was a bundler on the Trump Finance Victory Committee and is a member of the American Association of Political Consultants. Readmore of his reports — Here.