While supporters cheer his antics at home, President Trump’s characteristic bravado and bluster appear ill-suited to the delicate business of international relations. And after almost three months, Trump shows no sign of abandoning his no-filter approach to foreign policy.
When the British Financial Times asked Trump if his style was “more abrasive than many of your predecessors,” the president cut them off midsentence. “I would say,” Trump crooned, “I hope so.” But maybe it’s time he reconsidered.
Calling this week critical to U.S. diplomacy seems like an understatement. First Trump will welcome two key Middle East allies to the White House, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt and King Abdullah II of Jordan. Then he will host Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago, where the leaders of the two superpowers will negotiate over well-done steaks.
More than likely, Trump will resume his role of blustering executive. He justified that style to the Financial Times by pointing to the failures of other administrations. Their measured language just won’t do, Trump says, because “it hasn’t worked for our predecessors. Look where we are.” But while it’s true that American foreign policy has been lacking in recent decades, Trump’s current posturing is clearly more than wanting.
Angela Merkel’s visit is the most obvious cautionary diplomatic tale. Things appeared rocky when Trump either refused, or completely forgot, to shake hands with the German Chancellor. Then doubling down on embarrassment, he made light about President Obama’s practice of bugging Merkel’s phones, using that very real humiliation to pedal baseless allegations about Obama tapping Trump tower. It wasn’t the best way to get acquainted with America’s fifth largest trading partner.
It hasn’t been all bad, though. Trump’s best international meet and greet happened on the golf course. The president managed to avoid international incident by playing a couple of rounds with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Unfortunately for Trump, this week’s topics of conversation don’t exactly lend themselves to a game of golf. Among other things, the president will be negotiating joint strategy against ISIS, North Korean nuclear proliferation, and the balance of power in the Pacific. The gravity of those issues should make him reconsider his approach.
Trump can still cut an America first hardline. But he should consider taking a more measured and serious tone to avoid major gaffes. Otherwise the president risks repeating earlier missteps with much more serious consequences.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
