Dinners with President Trump have become a fast-track for foreign leaders seeking major deals, raising serious questions about the future direction of American diplomacy and the risks of bypassing traditional checks on power.
Story Highlights
- Trump’s personal dinners and meetings directly led to historic deals, such as the $110 billion Saudi arms agreement.
- Foreign leaders now prioritize personal access to Trump over conventional diplomatic channels, amplifying his individual influence.
- This transactional approach brings immediate economic gains but threatens to erode longstanding diplomatic norms and transparency.
- Supporters see renewed U.S. alliances and business wins, while critics warn of instability and potential for abuse.
Trump’s Transactional Diplomacy: A New Model in Action
From the moment President Trump set foot in Saudi Arabia in 2017, his approach to international relations was clear: rewards go to those who engage him directly. The Saudi royal family hosted Trump with a large-scale reception, followed by the announcement of an arms package valued at $110 billion, a figure presented by the Trump administration as the largest such deal to date, though later reviews by the Congressional Research Service indicated that only a portion represented finalized contracts. Such state dinners and personal meetings became not just ceremonial, but a crucial venue for policy shifts and economic partnerships, setting a powerful precedent for how foreign governments court U.S. favor.
Trump’s business background shaped a diplomatic style where access and rapport with the president could unlock lucrative outcomes. Unlike prior administrations, which relied on structured negotiations and bureaucratic vetting, Trump’s model placed emphasis on personal engagement. Leaders from across the globe adjusted tactics, seeking dinners and private meetings to secure deals or favorable policy changes. This shift redefined power dynamics, with the president’s personal approval often superseding formal diplomatic processes.
Winners and Risks: Economic Gains, Erosion of Norms
The economic impact of Trump’s direct style was significant, with U.S. defense firms and businesses reporting major contracts linked to foreign partnerships during his presidency, according to Defense Department announcements and industry press releases. Saudi Arabia’s arms deal stands as the most prominent example, but the pattern extended to other nations as well. Supporters argue this approach has revitalized alliances and reasserted American leadership. However, foreign policy experts, including scholars from the Council on Foreign Relations and analysts cited by the Congressional Research Service, criticized the approach for weakening transparency and increasing the risk of inconsistency in U.S. foreign relations.
Foreign policy experts caution that, while short-term gains are evident, the long-term effects may include weakened diplomatic institutions and a perception of U.S. foreign policy as transactional rather than principled. The diplomatic corps faces challenges in adapting to these changes, and concerns persist regarding the sustainability of relationships based solely on personal ties. The emphasis on individual access has led to unpredictability, as countries now vie for the president’s attention rather than engage through established channels.
Ongoing Legacy: The Second Trump Presidency and Global Reaction
With Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, this model persists and intensifies. Renewed international trips and high-profile meetings reinforce the value of personal access, with nations like Saudi Arabia and others continuing to invest in building direct relationships. While there are no major public statements on the role of private dinners in 2025, ongoing reporting highlights the continuing influence of personal diplomacy in shaping U.S. foreign policy. The global stage has adapted, with foreign leaders and dignitaries making personal engagement a strategic priority.
The future implications of this approach remain under scrutiny. As the administration continues its results-focused approach, debate among policymakers and constitutional scholars is likely to focus on the trade-offs between short-term economic and diplomatic gains and the long-term implications for transparency and institutional checks.
Sources:
List of international presidential trips made by Donald Trump – Wikipedia