Direct contacts and banter help “build chemistry” and improve diplomatic results, the outlet has claimed
US President Donald Trump has been conducting an unconventional form of diplomacy from his personal mobile phone, fielding direct calls and texts from world leaders, Politico has reported. Leaders get in touch to discuss geopolitical matters but also “just to schmooze,” according to the outlet.
During his first term, Trump reportedly surprised French, Canadian, and Mexican leaders by ditching the usual protocols and handing out his private number. The practice has continued in his second term, Politico wrote on Sunday.
”He’s talking to a lot of leaders way more than anyone realizes,” one source said. “A lot of the calls are about specific things, real business, but there’s also more informal, personal talk.”
Trump’s regular contacts reportedly include French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
One source described a recent call between Trump and Macron as the two “bro-ing out” over the phone. “It was oddly amusing – Trump would say ‘Emmanuellllll’ and really draw out the L, and then Macron would go, ‘Donaldddddd’ and draw out the D,” the source said.
Frequent and mostly undisclosed phone and text chats allow foreign leaders to “build more chemistry with Trump,” Politico noted. The approach reportedly helps improve personal relationships and leads to “more favorable outcomes.”
The spontaneity, however, tends to unfold on Trump’s terms, the outlet wrote, citing Finnish President Alexander Stubb flying to Florida for a round of golf and lunch in March.
Trump’s personal diplomacy also comes with risks. Last month, he posted screenshots of private text messages from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on his Truth Social platform.
American journalist Bob Woodward claimed in a 2024 book that Trump made as many as seven private calls to Russian President Vladimir Putin after his first term ended in 2021.
Woodward also reported that Trump sent Putin Covid-19 test machines for his personal use as the virus began spreading in 2020. According to the book, Putin told Trump not to tell anyone, but Trump said he didn’t care if anyone knew.
The Kremlin acknowledged the delivery in 2024 but denied the phone calls took place.
