On September 26, Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Donald J. Trump at Trump Tower as part of a British initiative to strengthen relations between a left-wing leader and a right-wing presidential candidate. During their farewell, Mr. Trump reportedly told Mr. Starmer, “We are friends,” a sentiment that has raised questions about the future of their relationship.
In the months leading up to Mr. Trump’s anticipated political comeback, foreign leaders have actively sought to build connections with him. Their representatives have engaged with individuals in Mr. Trump’s sphere and influential think tanks, hoping to shape policies for a potential second Trump administration.
Some leaders, including Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, are tailoring their approaches to align with Mr. Trump’s transactional style, while others, like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are sending teams to engage with Republican leaders in hopes of moderating Mr. Trump’s more extreme positions on tariffs.
Historically, efforts to cultivate relationships with Mr. Trump have often faltered. By the conclusion of his first term, he had become disenchanted with several leaders he initially befriended. His protectionist policies and unpredictable temperament led to significant conflicts that overshadowed early rapport.
Malcolm Turnbull, a former Prime Minister of Australia, noted two common misconceptions about Mr. Trump: that he would govern differently than he campaigned and that flattery would be an effective strategy. Mr. Turnbull recounted a tense phone call with Mr. Trump in 2017 regarding refugee policy, although he later found common ground on trade matters.
This time, Mr. Turnbull emphasized that there is a clear understanding of Mr. Trump’s transactional nature, stating that leaders must demonstrate how their proposals align with his interests.
Prior to the election, leaders began reaching out to Mr. Trump, including Mr. Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who visited Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in July. Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary has developed a close relationship with Mr. Trump, characterized by mutual admiration and frequent communication.
Mr. Zelensky’s strategy focuses on persuading Mr. Trump that supporting Ukraine aligns with U.S. economic interests, as military aid benefits American defense contractors. Ukrainian officials are collaborating with Republican allies to propose a $500 billion lend-lease program for military support.
Despite their past controversies, Mr. Zelensky recently received recognition from Mr. Trump, who praised him following his electoral victory. In contrast, Canada has been proactive, sending ministers to the U.S. to advocate for the trade relationship and counter potential tariffs proposed by Mr. Trump.
Some nations, like Israel, have found it easier to engage with Mr. Trump’s administration, with Israeli officials providing briefings to his close associates. Mr. Netanyahu has maintained a complex relationship with Mr. Trump, having both supported and clashed with him over various issues.
Countries such as Taiwan and members of the European Union are also strategizing on how to approach a Trump administration. While Taiwan seeks to foster support amidst rising tensions with China, European diplomats are preparing to navigate trade discussions with Mr. Trump, hoping to influence his policies through effective communication.
Britain's ambassador to the U.S. expressed optimism about the potential for progress by emphasizing collaborative efforts, while former ambassador Kim Darroch voiced skepticism about changing Mr. Trump’s established positions on key issues.