The strategy is called "consolidation" which is a managed form of "retrenchment" of an empire. America is an overstretched empire and one heading for a major debt crisis, so it needs to scale back and re-prioritize resources in order to survive. That's exactly what they explain in this CFR article.
The article explains how this strategy has been used throughout history; from the British Empire going back to the Roman Empire with varying degrees of success.
Therefore Trump's actions aren't just random or capricious, but are a cover for the empire's weakness. Think about it, would TPTB let Trump decide long term military strategy with NATO? Would they allow bases to be removed from Europe against their wishes? Or are they using Trump as a convenient scapegoat to do what they already want / need to do?
An honest consolidation effort will look like weakness, perhaps inviting more challenges to US power. Instead they can blame it on the madness of a single ruler while simultaneously playing the "mad dog" strategy to try to scare other nations in line, despite the systemic weakness of the empire in this moment of time.
Also worth noting this consolidation effort leads to more regional power structures forming, which often overlaps with plans drawn up by the Club of Rome and the Technocrats before them.
It's important to remember presidents are merely puppets and if you want to know what they are really doing, look at the think tanks and high level strategists behind the scenes.
Posted by YeahBuddy5000