The United States mirrored Europe’s colonial designs when it annexed Guam and Puerto Rico in 1898. But in larger countries, like the Philippines, the U.S. eventually chose indirect control by negotiating deals to advance preferential treatment for American businesses and its military interests.

President-elect Trump is ripping President Biden over what he says is a difficult transition period, expressing frustration with the current president for still seeking to set policies that fly in the face of what he would support.