Trump’s Personality and Communication Style
Former U.S. President Donald Trump remains one of the most unconventional figures on the global political stage. Before becoming a politician, he was a businessman and showman, and he still approaches diplomacy with instincts rather than structure.
He has a tendency to belittle weaker opponents and assert dominance through ridicule and mockery. The issue is not merely his personality, but the fact that such behavior comes from a man who once held the world’s most powerful office.
Consequently, nations have found it challenging to engage him in meaningful discussions within traditional diplomatic frameworks.
Introducing “Derision Time” Before Official Talks
In light of this, a bold idea is proposed: establishing a formal “Derision Time” before each meeting. This would allow Trump to spend a fixed amount of time mocking, boasting, and expressing dominance—live on global broadcast.
Imagine a 15-minute pre-meeting segment where Trump can comment freely on the other country's policies, economy, or leadership, and inflate his own record. This gives him a sense of victory and superiority, which may be essential for entering real negotiations with him.
While it may seem absurd, this is actually a strategic move based on understanding his psychology: Trump only negotiates seriously when he feels he has already won.
A Mad Dog with a Stick Should Be Allowed to Bark
There’s an old saying: “The best cure for a mad dog is a stick.” But what if the mad dog is holding the stick? That’s Donald Trump—a man wielding unmatched economic and military power, amplified by media attention.
Instead of trying to suppress his outbursts, the smarter path may be to provide a safe space for them. Let him bark, burn out his energy, and then walk him to the negotiating table in a calmer state.
Diplomacy with Trump is not about mutual respect. It’s about letting him feel like the alpha in the room—then negotiating from there.
Preparing for the Next Trump Era
If Trump returns to the presidency or regains political influence, the world must once again engage with him. This time, it must be prepared—not with idealistic expectations, but with flexible, tactical designs.
Trump values emotion over logic, dominance over equality. When he feels like the star of the show, you can finally start the real conversation.
In the end, diplomacy is about designing the right stage. If we can craft the show Trump wants, we may actually get what we want too.