Last week, President Donald Trump made headlines by leaving the G-7 gathering in Canada a day earlier than scheduled. His abrupt exit raised eyebrows, especially as he prepared for an abbreviated trip to a NATO summit in The Hague this week. Trump is set to arrive on Tuesday and return to the White House by Wednesday. There are also indications that he may skip the upcoming G-20 summit in South Africa altogether, continuing his pattern of minimizing participation in global forums.
Trump has a well-documented history of showing disdain for international summits. During his first term, he attended various meetings but often expressed his displeasure through mean tweets and overt obstinacy. This time, however, he seems to prefer a shorter presence at these events. Trump is known for his contradictions; while he enjoys the global stage and its accompanying trappings of power, he is less enthusiastic about sharing that stage with other world leaders.
At international gatherings, Trump often finds himself in a setting where disagreements and debates are inevitable. He has a clear preference for bilateral meetings, where he can engage in one-on-one discussions without the risk of being outnumbered by a coalition of leaders from groups like the G-7 or NATO. Michael O’Hanlon, director of research in the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution, noted, “It’s not like he’s a homebody. He likes when there’s a big focus on him.” However, O’Hanlon also emphasized that Trump prefers meetings with a purpose and often dismisses lengthy discussions, especially those related to complex issues like Ukraine strategy.
In his approach to diplomacy, Trump has demonstrated an unpredictable nature. He has hosted several leaders in the Oval Office, which he values as a more effective venue for negotiations than multilateral summits. Notable instances include his contentious interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he had made headlines for controversial remarks and displays.
As the G-20 summit approaches in November, Trump has publicly expressed doubts about attending, citing concerns over discussions surrounding land confiscation and genocide in South Africa. On Truth Social, he questioned, “How could we be expected to go to South Africa for the very important G20 Meeting when Land Confiscation and Genocide is the primary topic of conversation?” His apprehension reflects a broader reluctance to engage in multilateral discussions that he perceives as unfavorable.
While the Trump administration has emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with key allies, the White House has pointed out that Trump’s foreign policy achievements often come from direct interactions rather than lengthy summits. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly highlighted Trump’s efforts in securing a historic five percent defense spending pledge at NATO, asserting that he believes in “maximum efficiency and productivity” in diplomacy.
Trump's aversion to traditional diplomatic engagements was evident throughout his presidency. He famously refused to sign the Paris climate agreement during the G-7 in Italy in 2017 and exhibited dismissive behavior towards leaders such as Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic during a NATO photo opportunity. These instances have shaped perceptions of his approach to foreign relations, often leaving allies on edge.
As Trump navigates the complexities of international diplomacy, his unpredictable nature and preference for short engagements at summits continue to define his presidency. With the G-7 and NATO meetings highlighting his unique style, world leaders remain cautious as they prepare for future interactions with a president who often prioritizes personal agenda over collective discourse.
