The current era of global politics under President Trump has ushered in a distinctive diplomatic approach: the deliberate and strategic use of flattery by world leaders. This calculated shift from past interactions highlights a nuanced understanding of presidential influence and a pragmatic drive to secure national interests and favorable agreements. What was once viewed with skepticism has evolved into a cornerstone of contemporary international relations, where praise is a powerful tool.
Numerous instances illustrate this evolving trend. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during a White House visit, extended a rare second state visit invitation from King Charles III with notable rhetorical flourish. Similarly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly nominated President Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, a gesture acknowledged by other African leaders. Such public displays of adulation underscore a concerted effort to cultivate a receptive environment for negotiations and policy discussions.
This diplomatic style marks a significant departure from Trump’s initial term. In his first administration, many global leaders maintained a more distant and cautious stance, often attempting to navigate through his advisors. However, the second term reveals a dramatic shift towards direct engagement, recognizing President Trump as the ultimate decider. Experts like Kurt Volker note this change, observing that leaders now understand they “have to deal with Trump” directly for any significant outcome.
The strategic thinking behind this approach, particularly among European leaders, is clear: ensure presidential actions align with their national interests. Volker, a former diplomat, emphasizes that leaders perceive Trump’s capacity for both beneficial and detrimental actions. Consequently, they prioritize securing his favor to achieve desired outcomes, demonstrating a shrewd understanding of the American executive’s unique leverage in foreign policy.
The White House contends that this approach yields tangible results, citing a significant increase in visits from foreign dignitaries aiming to secure favorable trade deals and lower tariffs. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly asserted that the administration’s trade agreements are “leveling the playing field” and attracting substantial investment, suggesting that foreign leaders are keen to participate in the “booming Trump economy.” These outcomes, whether direct or indirect, reinforce the perceived effectiveness of this diplomatic strategy.
Beyond material gains, there’s an underlying psychological understanding at play. As Harvard’s Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, explains, leaders have “taken the measure of the man.” President Trump, he posits, desires to be seen as a singular, powerful figure and a consummate winner. This perception motivates leaders like European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who publicly praised Trump as a “tough negotiator and deal maker” before finalizing major agreements, echoing his own preferred narrative.
The strategy proved particularly fruitful concerning the NATO alliance. Despite Trump’s historical skepticism, NATO Chief Mark Rutte’s public praise and affirmation of Trump’s ability to achieve what “NO American president in decades could get done” regarding defense spending was met with positive reception. The subsequent agreement for members to spend 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035 was a major win. The infamous “daddy” reference from Rutte, which Trump embraced, further highlighted the personal nature of this high-stakes political strategy.
Justin Logan of the CATO Institute characterizes this phenomenon as “shamelessness truly is a superpower,” recognizing Trump’s leadership style as profoundly personal, almost “primal.” While effective on the global stage, this obsequious diplomatic style has led to political consequences at home for some foreign leaders, where Trump remains an unpopular figure. Nevertheless, the prevailing objective for these world leaders appears to be winning over the American president for strategic gains in international relations and foreign policy, solidifying a unique chapter in modern Trump diplomacy and political strategy.
