Foreign leaders who meet with President Trump this week during his first tour abroad since taking office have been encouraged to tailor their conversation to his personal preferences and knowledge base, The New York Times reports. The big three bullet points to remember: Praise him for winning; don't talk history; and keep it brief.
After four months of interactions between Mr. Trump and his counterparts, foreign officials and their Washington consultants say certain rules have emerged: Keep it short — no 30-minute monologue for a 30-second attention span. Do not assume he knows the history of the country or its major points of contention. Compliment him on his Electoral College victory. Contrast him favorably with President Barack Obama. Do not get hung up on whatever was said during the campaign. Stay in regular touch. Do not go in with a shopping list but bring some sort of deal he can call a victory. [The New York Times]
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The best non-alcoholic fizz for ChristmasThe Week Recommends Add some quality, booze-free sparkle to your festive drinks list
-
Italy's prisons crisisUnder the Radar Severe overcrowding, dire conditions and appalling violence have brought the Italian carceral system to boiling point
-
The potential effects of Israel's ceasefire with HezbollahTHE EXPLAINER With the possibility of a region-wide war fading, the Palestinian militant group Hamas faces increased isolation and limited options
-
South Korean president faces rising impeachment oddsspeed read Opposition lawmakers said they would vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his recent imposition of martial law
-
France's Macron vows to finish out termSpeed Read French President Emmanuel Macron rejected calls to step down and said he will name a new government in the coming days
-
Trump DEA nominee bows out as Hegseth pick stallsSpeed Read Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister withdrew as Trump's pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration
-
French government poised to fall amid budget fightSpeed Read Far-right and leftist opposition parties both filed motions of no confidence against Prime Minister Michel Barnier
-
Biden arrives in Angola for historic Africa visitSpeed Read The president intends to strengthen U.S. ties with Africa and counter China's dominance in the region
-
Biden pardons son HunterSpeed Read Joe Biden has spared his son Hunter a possible prison sentence for felony gun and tax convictions
-
Trump says he wants loyalist Kash Patel to lead FBISpeed Read The former federal prosecutor served in senior national security roles in Trump's first administration
-
Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefireSpeed Read Both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France
