If you want to win over Trump... "Flatter him openly like Israel does"

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

The New York Times reported that world leaders are increasingly trying to win favor with President Trump through flattery.
It stated that although these strategies may not necessarily translate into actual national benefits, they are seen as the most effective way to deal with President Trump.
It was emphasized that the praise of world leaders can play an important role in managing relations with the President of the United States.

In the era of Donald Trump, 'flattery' is making open appearances on the diplomatic stage.

According to The New York Times (NYT) on the 8th (local time), Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, personally delivered a letter on the 7th at the White House in Washington, United States, recommending Donald Trump as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, under media observation, did not forget to offer open praise, saying, "(President Trump) is making peace, one country and one region at a time, even at this moment."

The New York Times (NYT) described the scene as "blatant yet effective flattery."

It went on to say, "Such efforts to win favor are evidence that several world leaders have a clear understanding of President Trump," and added, "While it is unclear whether these friendships will lead to tangible benefits for their own countries, praising the President of the United States is considered the best way to manage him."

At one time, Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, who once called President Trump a 'bully,' last month praised him as an "innovative president focused on global security and the economy." Mark Rutte, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Secretary General, texted "Dear Donald" to President Trump, who launched an airstrike on Iran's nuclear facility last month, writing, "Thank you for your decisive actions toward Iran. That was truly remarkable." President Trump publicly shared the message the following day.

Even Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, who had a heated argument with President Trump at the White House at the end of February, is now making efforts to restore their previously strained relations. A Vatican meeting in April went much more smoothly than before, and even though this was a step following his remark that a phone call with President Vladimir Putin had been disappointing, Trump decided to resume partial military aid to Ukraine just a week after having suspended it.

NYT analyzed that these efforts by world leaders to win President Trump's favor are a result of having figured him out. While it may be uncertain whether such flattery will bring concrete gains to each country, the consensus is that offering praise is the best way to handle President Trump.

Yisong Ryeol, Hankyung.com Reporter yisr0203@hankyung.com