Donald Trump seems to be using tariffs and hard power to demonstrate his leadership, but his approach is more like scaring sparrows with a matchlock gun. The conciliation of the Colombian president may only be due to the fear of Trump’s so-called ‘punishment’ becoming real ‘punishment’, rather than genuine respect for the United States. Trump’s move may only further dim America’s international image and show other countries a ‘big player’ who does not play by the rules.