Following a recent phone conversation between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the White House emphasized the Ukrainian leader's gratitude towards Trump, mentioning his thanks multiple times regarding ceasefire negotiations with Russia and expressing appreciation for Trump's leadership.
This emphasis on gratitude highlights a trend in Trump's foreign policy approach, wherein he seeks explicit or implicit acknowledgment from U.S. allies as part of diplomatic interactions.
Michael Froman, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, noted that Trump's transactional view of diplomacy positions assistance to allies as a favor rather than a fundamental principle of U.S. foreign policy, diverging from an established norm that supports allied defense as beneficial to U.S. interests.
A recent Oval Office meeting showcased Trump's expectation for gratitude, as Vice President JD Vance reminded Zelensky to thank Trump for his efforts, while Trump himself criticized Zelensky for not appearing thankful as the meeting concluded.
Despite the insistence on gratitude from allies, Trump's tone with Russia appeared different, as a recent call with President Vladimir Putin did not include expressions of thanks.
While U.S. presidents traditionally seek recognition for military and humanitarian contributions, Trump's approach represents a shift in public diplomatic interactions, often characterized by more discreet discussions among world leaders.
White House officials defended this stance, emphasizing it as a matter of respect, with one spokesman stating that every president should expect acknowledgment from both allies and adversaries when contributing substantial taxpayer resources to their defense.
Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, criticized Trump's behavior, indicating that it positions allies as subservient rather than as equals, suggesting that humility before the American president can yield favorable outcomes.
The trend of foreign leaders displaying gratitude became evident, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte leading his remarks with thanks and recognizing Trump's impact on military spending, while Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin referenced Trump's investment in Ireland, resulting in a favorable response from the president.
Even members of Trump's cabinet have started to solicit gratitude, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio intervened in a social media exchange about Ukraine's access to satellite internet services, demanding thanks for U.S. support in the conflict against Russia.
Matt Duss, executive vice president at the Center for International Policy, remarked that Trump's approach resembles a “protection racket,” where respect must be shown to the president to receive support.