(WASHINGTON) – Donald Trump’s presidency has been marked by a week of diplomatic controversy, unpredictable social media activity and growing scepticism over his handling of the Iran conflict, as allies and critics alike question the coherence of his foreign policy.
The United States president triggered a diplomatic storm by announcing the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer a full day before it occurred. In comments that broke with diplomatic protocol, Trump told the world that Starmer would resign on Monday, pre-empting the formal announcement. James D. Boys, a senior research fellow at University College London’s Centre for US Politics, said the White House would have received advance notification through diplomatic channels, but Trump’s decision to go public with the information was highly unusual. “This is simply not done in terms of diplomatic niceties,” Boys told the Trump Report. “There would have been kittens at the British embassy and across the state department.”
The relationship between Trump and Starmer had deteriorated significantly in recent months, with the White House reportedly relieved to see the British leader depart. However, Boys noted that Trump may come to regret the change, as Starmer’s expected successor, Andy Burnham, made pointed references to American societal divisions in his acceptance speech, a move unlikely to be welcomed by the Trump administration.
Trump’s management of the Iran conflict has also drawn sharp criticism from allies and members of his own base. Despite launching a military campaign against Tehran, Trump signed a deal reopening the Strait of Hormuz, only for Israel to continue striking Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran accused Washington of breaking the spirit of the agreement and responded by restricting access to the strait again. Trump responded with a furious threat, warning Iran: “You close it, you won’t have the country. You won’t even make it back to your effing country.”
The agreement, which includes a $300 billion investment fund for Iran financed by Gulf states and private investors, has become the most controversial element of the deal. Critics argue that Iran is being rewarded for its behaviour, potentially emerging from the conflict economically stronger than before. Boys said the fund appeared to contradict everything Trump had based his political career upon. “The idea of seemingly giving this amount of money to a regime which we have been in a de facto state of war with for several decades seems ludicrous,” he said. “You don’t reward someone until they have capitulated.”
The American public, Boys noted, is increasingly sceptical of overseas intervention, particularly when petrol prices remain high and the cost of living continues to rise. While petrol prices have fallen in recent days, they remain above pre-war levels. With the November midterm elections approaching, the administration faces a delicate balancing act, seeking to demonstrate progress in Iran while addressing domestic economic concerns.
Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator, initially broke with Trump over the $300 billion fund but later walked back his criticism after being advised the money would not come from US taxpayers. Graham also suggested the United States would take the Strait of Hormuz by force if Iran failed to comply with the deal, a threat Boys described as “naive at best” given the potential for a prolonged ground campaign. “What was interesting about what Senator Graham said was that he prefaced it by saying he had just spent four to five hours with the president,” Boys said. “More than implying he was acting as a voice for the president.”
Trump also became embroiled in a public feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his staunchest European allies. Trump claimed Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph at the G7 summit, an assertion Meloni rejected forcefully. In a video address, Meloni said: “Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies.” She added: “Neither I nor Italy ever beg.” Boys suggested the dispute stemmed from Italy’s refusal to grant the United States landing and takeoff rights from its bases during strikes on Iran, as well as broader frustrations over European allies’ lack of military support.
On social media, Trump baffled observers over Father’s Day weekend by posting a decades-old photograph of an unidentified blonde woman with the caption “great daughter.” The post triggered widespread speculation about Trump’s mental fitness and confusion over the woman’s identity. The White House has not clarified the post. Boys said the episode highlighted the need for greater control over Trump’s social media activity. “At some point, someone is going to have to basically take away Donald Trump’s access to this because it keeps getting him into all kinds of trouble,” he said.
Domestically, a $14 million renovation of Washington’s reflecting pool has encountered problems weeks after reopening, with paint peeling, algae growth and alleged vandalism reported. The project, part of efforts to beautify the capital ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence, has drawn criticism from opponents, though Boys noted that similar attempts under previous administrations had also faced difficulties.
Be First to Comment