Global Leaders Use Flattery to Influence Trump Diplomacy

President Trump’s diplomatic style is notably characterized by a preference for formal, handwritten letters, which he values as a serious and personal form of communication, contrasting with more modern methods like emails or texts. This style, often marked by dramatic ALL CAPS and emotionally charged language, extends to his interactions with global leaders, teenage fans, and others, serving as a window into his approach to leadership and communication. World leaders, aware of Trump's affinity for flattery and formal gestures, frequently employ praise and symbolic acts—such as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu presenting Trump with a Nobel Peace Prize nomination letter—to curry favor, despite unclear tangible benefits from such diplomacy. Experts note that Trump's letters, which are sometimes kept as prized mementos, reflect his desire for attention and tangible recognition, highlighting his unique blend of old-school formality and theatricality in international relations. This pattern of flattery and letter diplomacy underscores the broader dynamics of global diplomacy in the Trump era, where managing the president’s ego often takes precedence. While this approach draws on traditional diplomatic norms, it also reveals the distinct personal style Trump brings to his presidency and international engagement.