Donald Trump’s Complex Legacy with the Islamic State

A Rocky Start with IS

Donald Trump’s interactions with the Islamic State (IS) have been anything but ordinary. From blaming his predecessor for the very formation of the group to publicly declaring that IS’s notorious leader “died like a dog,” Trump has navigated the narrative surrounding IS with bold assertions and controversial declarations. His administration rallied an international coalition that ultimately led to the dismantling of IS’s caliphate. However, as he embarks on his second term, his relationship with IS has seemingly shifted—though not necessarily for the better.

The Dismantling of the International Order

Experts have suggested that Trump’s approach to foreign policy, particularly his dismantling of established international norms, has inadvertently benefited IS. The vacuum created by these changes has allowed the group to resurface and adapt, exploiting discontent and instability in various regions. Analysts indicate that IS has adeptly used Trump’s penchant for confrontation and isolationism to bolster its recruitment messaging.

Domestic Threats and Online Propaganda

The repercussions of IS’s resurgence can be felt on American soil. As reports of IS-supported individuals mounting attacks rise, the group has found ways to inspire domestic threats through online propaganda. Recent incidents underscore the ongoing influence of IS, even as the group finds itself in a rebuilding phase. Events like the New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans, executed by a veteran of the U.S. Army in the name of IS, serve as chilling reminders of the group’s capacity to affect U.S. security.

The Power of Social Media

Lucas Webber, a senior analyst at Tech Against Terrorism, highlights how IS has harnessed social media and messaging applications to spread its ideology. By labeling the U.S. as a “crusader” state, a term that jihadists have long employed, they aim to galvanize recruitment from disaffected individuals. Notably, the group has used specific elements of Trump’s administration—like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s controversial tattoos—as fodder for its propaganda arsenal.

Symbolism and Recruitment

Hegseth’s tattoos, which include references to the crusaders, have not only ignited a media frenzy but have also been exalted in IS propaganda as symbolic of a broader Western crusade against Islam. The group has gone so far as to frame events surrounding these tattoos as divine endorsements of their ideological narrative—spurring further recruitment efforts among disillusioned individuals.

Israeli-Palestinian Tensions

The turmoil in the Middle East remains another central theme in IS’s recruitment strategies. Trump’s close ties with Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government, combined with ongoing military actions in Gaza, have become points of contention leveraged by the group. IS capitalizes on the narrative of seeking revenge for the suffering of Muslims, which resonates powerfully within its propaganda.

Economic and Political Messaging

Economic policies under Trump’s administration, particularly international tariffs, have also been harnessed by IS as proof of Western powers unraveling. Articles produced by IS depict Trump’s focus on economic battles—rather than combating jihadism—as evidence of a weakening resolve against terrorism. This narrative, intertwined with geopolitical dynamics, draws individuals to the group’s cause.

The Rebuilding Phase of IS

As Syria seeks stability and aims to purge jihadist elements, IS appears to be recalibrating its strategies. The group still manages to attract new followers, both domestically and internationally, by propagating anti-U.S. messaging. With branches like IS-Khorasan tying together narratives from Afghanistan and Syria, the recruitment landscape remains rich with ideological materials for potential adherents.

Emerging Threats and Global Ambitions

Despite setbacks, other IS factions are growing more ambitious in their reach. Reports indicate that IS-Somalia, amid escalating Pentagon airstrikes, has begun to attract American foreign fighters. The increased focus on generating media content that revolves around U.S. involvement in regional conflicts underscores the group’s commitment to dynamic and targeted outreach efforts.

The Reality of Threats at Home

In October, the FBI disrupted an IS-K plot aimed at a mass gathering on election day—a stark reminder that the impact of IS extends far beyond international borders, penetrating deeply into American life. As these developments illustrate, Trump’s complex legacy surrounding IS is not solely confined to the past; it continues to evolve, posing real-time threats as new narratives and recruitment opportunities emerge.

Through its adept use of propaganda, IS remains a resurgent force, pivoting on the discontent and distrust that permeate both domestic and global contexts, underscoring an unsettling reality that resonates far beyond traditional war tactics.