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Navigating the Trump White House: A Playbook for World Leaders
In the wake of challenging encounters for Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Jordan’s King Abdullah, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa may have demonstrated to global leaders effective strategies for engaging with President Donald Trump’s confrontational style in the Oval Office. This approach offers insights into conducting successful diplomacy with Donald Trump, helping leaders worldwide understand how to approach negotiations and discussions.
The Shifting Dynamics of White House Meetings
Traditionally, meetings at the White House were predictable affairs, marked by commonplace pleasantries and conventional geopolitical discussions. However, during Trump’s second term, these interactions have transformed, often resembling combative exchanges.
Examples include:
- Vice President JD Vance’s blunt critique of Zelenskyy.
- King Abdullah’s visible discomfort with Trump’s pronouncements concerning control over the Gaza Strip.
Ramaphosa’s Preparedness: A Study in Diplomatic Strategy
Seemingly prepared for the unexpected, Ramaphosa appeared composed when Trump presented news clips alleging a “genocide” against white farmers in South Africa. Experts largely dismiss this claim as unfounded, fueled by Trump’s adviser, Elon Musk.
“It’s a terrible sight — I’ve never seen anything like it,” Trump remarked during the screening.
A Calm and Measured Response
In contrast to other leaders, Ramaphosa, leveraging his background as a trade union leader and anti-apartheid activist, responded calmly and directly, respectfully disagreeing with Trump’s assertions. He emphasized the importance of Trump listening to diverse South African perspectives, including those of his friends.
A Strategic Delegation
Ramaphosa included prominent white South African golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, both Hall of Fame members and U.S. Open champions, in his delegation. This move was clearly aimed at resonating with Trump’s well-known enthusiasm for golf.
“If there was Afrikaner farmer genocide, I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be here,” Ramaphosa stated, highlighting the presence of white members in his delegation, including Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.
Lessons in Diplomacy: A Global Playbook
According to Scott Lucas, a politics professor at Ireland’s University College Dublin, Ramaphosa’s preparedness stood in stark contrast to the “destructive” ambush of Zelenskyy. Trump’s “planned attack” on Ramaphosa “took the stakes up a level,” but his adept handling of the situation provides a model for other leaders dealing with Trump.
“Ramaphosa seemed to have been very well briefed and he kept his cool,” Lucas noted. “Leaders around the world now have a playbook for how they deal with Trump.”
Alternative Approaches to Engaging with Trump
Other leaders have also employed unique approaches:
- Keir Starmer: The British Prime Minister presented a letter from King Charles III, a gesture seen as obsequious by some but seemingly well-received by Trump.
- Shigeru Ishiba: The Japanese Prime Minister dedicated over 20 hours to preparation, utilizing charts illustrating Japan’s investments in America and presenting Trump with a golden samurai helmet.
- Emmanuel Macron: The French President has balanced maintaining a working relationship with Trump while challenging some of his statements.
- Mark Carney: The Canadian Prime Minister conveyed a firm stance, emphasizing that “Canada is not for sale.”
Ramaphosa’s Praised Poise
Nic Cheeseman, a professor of democracy at England’s University of Birmingham, praised Ramaphosa’s composure, noting, “It is one thing preparing to be ambushed and another being able to manage the situation… Most people seem to think that Ramaphosa came out of it well.”
The Unclear Efficacy of Tactics
Despite Ramaphosa’s skillful navigation, the efficacy of his tactics remains uncertain, especially considering South Africa’s need for American financial support. Hours before the meeting, South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana disclosed a $430 million shortfall due to Trump’s foreign aid cuts.
Broader Implications
Patrick Gaspard, former U.S. ambassador to South Africa, described Trump’s focus on the white-farmer genocide claim as a “perfect trifecta,” serving domestic political interests, distracting from economic issues, and potentially boosting Musk’s business endeavors in South Africa.
Gaspard criticized the encounter as “deeply offensive and hurtful to a partnership that we have with a really important nation in sub-Saharan Africa,” and “does a major disservice to that Oval Office, that sacred space.”