Encounters between Donald Trump and other world leaders have been characterized by their dramatic nature since he assumed office. However, in 2025, diplomatic interactions reached new levels of formality.
One notable incident occurred during a NATO pre-summit press briefing in The Hague, where Trump compared the Iran-Israel tensions to a situation akin to “children in a schoolyard.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte then remarked, “Daddy has to sometimes use strong language.”
Trump seemed unperturbed by the reference, expressing, “I believe he likes me. If not, I will make sure to address it. I will return and confront him firmly, alright? He said it in an affectionate manner. Hey Daddy. You’re my Daddy.”
Capitalizing on this moment, the White House’s social media team shared a video clip from the president’s visit to the Netherlands, set to Usher’s song ‘Hey Daddy’, generating viral attention.
Rutte didn’t stop at the ‘daddy’ comment. When asked about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he emphasized the importance of dialogue initiated by Trump with President Putin, highlighting the American president’s significance in breaking the deadlock.
In a similar vein, UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended a rare second state visit invitation to Trump on behalf of King Charles III. Starmer described the gesture as “truly special” and unprecedented, underscoring the strong bond between the two nations.
During Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to the US, she expressed support for Trump’s efforts in Ukraine, adapting his slogan to emphasize collaboration towards a brighter future for the West.
Additionally, Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado surprised many by presenting her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump during a White House meeting, prompting a grateful response from the president on social media.
Not all interactions have been flattering, as seen when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney praised Trump as a transformative leader but asserted his nation’s stance against being for sale.
Trump’s positive remarks often veer towards physical appearances, with him complimenting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his attire and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb on his appearance.
Experts suggest that appealing to Trump’s ego and praising his leadership may be instrumental in securing his favor, given his desire to be perceived as a winner and a crucial figure in international affairs.