Accusations That Trump Is ‘Transactional’ in Foreign Relations Miss the Point of Diplomacy

What relationship with a foreign country or any agreement or ‘deal’ between nations isn’t based on mutual self-interest?

AP/Aurelien Morissard
President Macron, center, poses with President Trump, left, and President Zelensky at the Elysee Palace, December 7, 2024, Paris. AP/Aurelien Morissard

The terms “transactional,” “dealmaker,” “businessman” and the like are routinely lobbed at President Trump. They accuse him of not understanding the nuances of foreign relations and diplomacy — and even suggest he’s got a certain amorality to him.  

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