World leaders have found a direct line to President Donald Trump through his personal cell phone, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels. Several foreign officials, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, regularly communicate with Trump through calls and text messages.
According to Politico, the informal communication style has become a notable feature of Trump’s second term, with leaders engaging in personal conversations that mix official business with casual chat. These interactions often happen spontaneously, with Trump sometimes initiating the calls himself.
Foreign officials have learned that direct communication with Trump can lead to favorable outcomes. “Donald Trump likes that,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), referring to direct phone calls. “He’s flattered by direct phone calls.” This insight has led many leaders to adapt their approach in dealing with the president.
How world leaders are building personal relationships with Trump
Leaders are finding various ways to connect with Trump on a personal level. Starmer, for instance, used WhatsApp to message Trump when trying to repair relations between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The British Prime Minister even took a late-night call from Trump while watching a football match to finalize a tariff reduction deal.
The strategy appears to be working. At last month’s NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump announced a change in his position about the alliance after meeting with what he called ‘great leaders,’ though his approach to international cooperation remains selective.” He also agreed to authorize more defense aid for Ukraine, provided Europe covers the costs.
Some leaders have gone to greater lengths to maintain their relationship with Trump. Finnish President Alexander Stubb flew to Florida specifically to play golf with the president. South Africa’s president brought PGA golf pros to a White House meeting, while Starmer delivered a letter from King Charles III inviting Trump to a state dinner at Windsor Castle.
The White House appears to support these personal interactions. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly noted that Trump “has great relationships with foreign leaders,” citing 23 bilateral visits in just six months. However, these informal communications come with risks, as demonstrated when Trump publicly shared screenshots of text messages from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, reflecting his unpredictable communication patterns that can catch both allies and critics off guard, serving as a reminder that private conversations could become public at any time.
Published: Jul 28, 2025 05:40 am