Trump ‘schmoozes’ with international presidents on personal mobile
(MENAFN) Former and current U.S. President Donald Trump has been conducting much of his diplomatic outreach directly through his personal mobile phone, often bypassing traditional communication protocols, according to a recent report by Politico. World leaders reportedly contact Trump not only to discuss political matters but also for casual conversations or to “schmooze.”
The practice began during Trump’s first term, when he surprised leaders such as those of France, Canada, and Mexico by giving out his private number. Politico states that this informal approach to diplomacy has continued into his second term.
“He’s on the phone with world leaders more often than people realize,” one source told the outlet. “Some of the conversations are serious, but others are more friendly and relaxed.”
Trump’s regular contacts are said to include French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. One insider described a recent call between Trump and Macron as “playfully personal,” with the two jokingly stretching out each other’s names in exaggerated greetings.
These unscheduled and often undisclosed calls and text messages are seen by some as a way for foreign leaders to build stronger personal ties with Trump, leading to more favorable diplomatic outcomes, according to Politico. However, the dynamics are largely dictated by Trump himself. For instance, Finnish President Alexander Stubb reportedly flew to Florida in March just to join Trump for a round of golf and lunch.
Still, the unorthodox method of communication carries potential risks. Last month, Trump shared screenshots of private texts from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on his Truth Social account, raising concerns about confidentiality.
Journalist Bob Woodward previously claimed in a 2024 book that after his first term, Trump made up to seven private calls to Russian President Vladimir Putin and even sent him COVID-19 testing equipment in early 2020. Putin allegedly told Trump to keep the gesture private, but Trump reportedly dismissed the need for secrecy.
While the Kremlin confirmed the delivery of medical supplies in 2024, it denied that any private calls took place.
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