Europe’s Subtle Strategy with Trump Yields Noticeable Diplomatic Gains

During President Trump’s recent visit to Scotland, European leaders adopted a measured and strategic approach to diplomacy.

Their method combined subtle persuasion with compliments, while carefully avoiding any public criticism of the president.

This approach, refined through months of trial and adjustment, enabled European officials to navigate a delicate balance with a leader who had previously threatened to withdraw support from Ukraine and NATO, and criticized the European Union as being established to disadvantage the United States.

The strategy yielded tangible results: European Union leaders secured a trade agreement that some viewed as conceding too much, particularly in France, yet managed to persuade President Trump to retract his most extreme tariff proposals. Furthermore, they successfully encouraged him to commit to increased aid for Gaza’s starving children and adopt a firmer stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, including shortening the timeline Trump had initially given Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine.

The meetings held at Trump’s golf resorts in Scotland marked the culmination of a recent period during which European leaders have convinced the American president to uphold military assistance to Ukraine and maintain engagement in NATO, following enhanced financial contributions from other member states.