When Americans sing their national anthem, they celebrate: "the land of the free and the home of the brave". Inscribed on the Statue of Liberty in New York is their message to the rest the world: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

But not any more. Yesterday, Donald Trump announced a 60-day ban on immigrants seeking permanent status in the US, in order to fight the "invisible enemy" - his term for the coronavirus. His opponents call the plan "xenophobic scapegoatingXenophobia is the fear of foreigners; scapegoating is the blaming of innocent people. Because the virus is believed to have started in China, Chinese communities all over the world have faced abuse and discrimination." and part of a strategy to blame the virus on other countries.

In times of crisis, the world has always looked to the richest and most powerful nation for leadership and support, from the Marshall PlanFollowing World War Two, the United States spent billions of dollars rebuilding war-torn countries in Western Europe. to the Ebola epidemicThe US led a massive project in 2014 to fight an Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which killed over 11,000 people.. But this time, the United States has turned inwards. Its leaders are squabbling over how to manage the crisis at home, whilst suspending aid to the World Health OrganisationThe United Nations agency responsible for global public health..

IsolationismThroughout American history, some presidents (like George Bush and Barack Obama) have promoted co-operation and intervention in world affairs. In contrast, Trump talks about putting Americans first and not being restricted by international treaties. has been a theme of Trump's presidency. He pulled the US out of key international talks on the climate crisis and tore up trade agreements. But that was before the world faced the biggest health and economic crisis in a generation.

And China is stepping into the US's shoes, shipping protective mask and gowns to Europe and the Middle East. Jack Ma, China's wealthiest man and major philanthropistSomeone who donates generously to good causes. American philanthropy has been very important in creating a positive image of the US around the world., has donated virus test kits to every single African country, spreading goodwill and positive headlines across the continent. America is nowhere to be seen.

As if to underline US's decline, yesterday, another national symbol took a tumble. For the first time in history, the price of oil fell so low that producers couldn't give it away. It was once so valuable, it was known as black gold - but the coronavirus lockdown has dried up global demand. The US is the world's biggest producer and economists believe we may never return to pre-coronavirus levels of consumption.

So, the world doesn't want American oil and the US doesn't want the world's poor, nor will it lead the fight against coronavirus.

Some say, it's all over for the USA. It was a country forged by immigrants escaping poverty, disease, and war. A nation that the world could look to in times of crisis. Now, we face the biggest global catastrophe in living memory and it is other countries - not the US - that are leading the way. Although it will continue to be a powerful country, it will never inspire us in the same way again.

Others say, don't write the USA off just yet. It's still the richest country in the world, with powerful cultural influence. Besides, other countries have also closed their borders and are focusing on protecting their own population - the US is facing the same challenges. Throughout its history, the United States has gone through periods of isolation, looked inwards and then out again. Presidents and their policies have come and gone. Its story is far from over.