UJ —
The rapid flow of world leaders consulting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office over the last two weeks is unprecedented compared to the beginning of recent administrations, with his initial term being the only exception.
Thus far, the discussions have not yielded significant new initiatives, unlike typical high-level meetings that are scheduled ahead of time. The most notable event—a strategy for seizing control of Gaza and relocating the Palestinians—was even inserted into Trump’s remarks at the last minute during a speech alongside Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Rather, these encounters seem to embody the approach many global leaders have adopted in dealing with an unpredictable and transactional American president: maximizing opportunities for direct engagement.
The flags of Israel, Japan, and India have been prominently displayed outside Blair House, the presidential guest quarters, since the start of Trump’s second term last month. Another guest, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, opted to stay elsewhere.
Trump’s four foreign visitors so far surpass the initial engagements seen during President Barack Obama’s first term, where he did not host a foreign leader until late February. President George W. Bush welcomed his Canadian counterpart within two weeks of taking office, while other leaders were invited weeks later. President Joe Biden faced restrictions due to COVID-19, not meeting a foreign leader until mid-April.
In comparison, Trump has entertained four leaders in the past two weeks alone.
His initial visits have predominantly included leaders from traditional U.S. allies. King Abdullah typically is the first Arab leader welcomed at the White House after a new president is sworn in, while the Japanese Prime Minister is usually the first from Asia. However, both Netanyahu and Indian PM Narendra Modi have also been included—leaders who have faced accusations regarding the erosion of democracy in their countries.
These visits have come with an array of gifts, both symbolic and tangible. Netanyahu, Trump’s very first foreign visitor, brought a gold-plated pager, which ominously referenced a lethal operation executed by Israel targeting Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba from Japan opted for a more flattering gift for Trump.
“I was thrilled to see such a celebrity on television,” said Ishiba during a press conference in the East Room. “On screen, he seems formidable and has a strong personality, but meeting him in person showed me he is sincere, powerful, and has a strong will for the United States.”
Trump appeared delighted as he heard Ishiba’s comments through a translator, responding with a signed photograph for his guest.
The urgency to engage with Trump reflects the eagerness of global leaders to secure face time during his initial 2016 campaign, when Japan’s Shinzo Abe was the first to reach Trump Tower, arriving with gold-plated golf clubs as a gift.
This gesture clearly left an impression, as Trump referred to Abe several times during Ishiba’s visit last week.
The Japanese delegation is not the only one skilled in the art of flattering Trump.
Modi, who visited Trump on Thursday, staged one of the most extravagant displays of admiration in 2020 with a “Namaste Trump” rally that attracted 110,000 attendees at a cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.
“Adopting an American phrase, our aim for a developed India is to make India great again, or MIGA,” he announced as Trump began to nod appreciatively. “When America and India collaborate, it forms MAGA plus MIGA, turning into MEGA: A mega partnership for prosperity.”
Netanyahu, whose rapport with Trump deteriorated four years ago when he congratulated Joe Biden after his election, seemed eager to mend ties during their meeting last week.
“I’ve stated this before and I will say it again: You are the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” Netanyahu proclaimed at a joint news conference. He later credited Trump solely with facilitating a ceasefire-for-hostage arrangement made during the Biden presidency.
King Abdullah of Jordan, who met with Trump on Tuesday amid contentious discussions about the Gaza plan, managed to mask his apprehensions. He seemingly implied that Trump might achieve successes unlike his predecessor—acknowledging Trump’s fixation on Biden’s performance.
“I truly believe we are beginning to see pathways to stability, peace, and prosperity across the Middle East, despite the challenges we face,” he stated.
However, Abdullah’s time in the Oval Office showed that even presidential engagement has its confines. The meeting was unexpectedly opened to cameras after being designated as “closed press,” suggesting a private setting might have facilitated a more candid exchange regarding Trump’s Gaza proposal.
With cameras rolling, Abdullah expressed clear reservations concerning Trump’s plan to forcibly transfer over a million Palestinians to designated “parcels of land” in Jordan, yet his concerns seemed to have little impact; the president appeared even more resolute in his proposal by the end of their meeting.
This response was likely contrary to what Abdullah had hoped to hear. Confronting rising dissent among his populace, he was probably seeking a gentler position from Trump on a matter he considers crucial to his reign.
The following day, Trump issued a video message from behind the Resolute Desk that appeared to serve as a diplomatic outreach.
“I just want to emphasize how tremendous a man your king is, he’s a leader, he possesses a wonderful heart, and he cares deeply for his people,” Trump remarked in his “Message to the People of Jordan.”
“You are fortunate to have him,” he concluded. “God bless you all. Your future is bright under his leadership.”
