Home Executive-Insights Opinion Flattery and Diplomacy: World ...

Flattery and Diplomacy: World Leaders’ Strategies with Trump

Opinion

Business Honor - Flattery & Diplomacy: World Leaders’ Trump Strategies

Business Honor
03 July, 2025

Khamenei and Netanyahu claim victory in ongoing conflict, sparking global political tensions.

World leaders have long navigated a delicate balance when dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump, where flattery is a common means of keeping things amicable. It has been practiced in many diplomatic meetings, where leaders compliment Trump as a means of gaining his favor and staying out of trouble.

Take the case of Mark Rutte, Secretary-General of NATO, who employed the usage of "Daddy" in a playful comment about global conflict while talking to Trump. His attempt to flatter Trump did not stop there. Rutte praised Trump for talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him "the most powerful leader in the world." Whether or not such an expression works in building rapport is questionable.

Similarly, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer fawned over Trump during a visit to the White House, praising his leadership for securing a peace deal. Starmer went so far as to present Trump with a letter from King Charles III, extending an invitation for a second state visit to Windsor. But despite all the kind words, Trump proceeded to suspend military aid to Ukraine, angering influential European allies.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took a flattering approach as well, praising Trump's moves in Ukraine and highlighting shared priorities. But even after lavish praise, Trump has not yet booked a state visit to Italy.

Alternatively, there are leaders such as Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney who have used flattery along with strength. Carney praised Trump for his presidency but firmly closed down Trump's proposal to annex Canada. This combination of respect and determination appeared to be more effective, including a more stable relationship than Trump had with his previous counterpart, Justin Trudeau.

Analysts argue that while flattering Trump may keep him content, it often has little effect on U.S. policy. As Andrew Gawthorpe, a history lecturer, suggests, "Flattery only pushes difficult decisions forward for another day." Firmness, but respectfully so, however, appears more effective at getting things done.