Foreign officials are eager to build relationships with Donald Trump’s allies in anticipation of the former president potentially returning to office. This diplomatic outreach has intensified since the last debate, with ambassadors and officials from various countries attending the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. This effort is driven by concerns over Trump’s “America First” policies, which differ significantly from the approach of President Joe Biden’s administration and could impact U.S. relations with European allies and international security agreements like NATO. The presence of foreign officials at the convention signals a proactive approach to engaging with key figures in Trump’s circle and understanding his potential policy direction. There is a sense of urgency among these officials to avoid being caught off guard, as some were in 2016 when Trump unexpectedly won the presidency. Diplomatic efforts include mingling with Trump’s allies, attending private GOP events, and seeking to understand the motivations and priorities of a potential Trump administration. The uncertainty surrounding Trump’s decision-making process is seen as an advantage by some foreign leaders, while others are concerned about the implications of a Trump presidency on global security and alliances. The engagement with Trump’s world is seen as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes about European reliance on U.S. defense spending and burdensharing. Overall, foreign officials are working to strengthen their ties to Trump and his associates as they prepare for potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under a new administration.
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