On Tuesday, President Trump made strong remarks about Israel and Iran during a three-hour interaction with reporters on the South Lawn of the White House. He revealed that he had recently reprimanded the Israeli prime minister and shared a screenshot of a private message from the NATO secretary general on social media.
Unlike previous presidents who typically handle international crises behind closed doors and issue carefully crafted statements, Mr. Trump’s approach has been markedly different. He offers the public a continuous stream of his thoughts and opinions, often resembling the behavior of a millennial active on social media. His posts reflect a range of sentiments, including self-praise, trivialities, and anger, providing insight into his mindset.
His aides describe him as the "most transparent and accessible president" in history, noting that his candid style helps him rally supporters and keeps rivals unsettled. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that his straightforwardness is appreciated by the American public, contributing to his electoral success.
However, this openness has drawbacks, sometimes igniting diplomatic tensions and creating confusion among aides and allies. For instance, in recent weeks, Mr. Trump publicly considered military action against Iran, which raised concerns regarding operational security.
Despite his contemplative statements, no military actions were taken against Iran, although some military assets were repositioned in response. A classified U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report indicated that military strikes resulted in only a temporary delay of Iran’s nuclear program.
Mr. Trump’s propensity to share his views also simplifies the task for foreign governments seeking to understand U.S. policies; they can follow his social media accounts for real-time insights instead of relying on traditional diplomatic communications.
Experts note that Mr. Trump’s style contrasts sharply with that of previous presidents like Richard Nixon, who maintained a more reserved public persona. Mr. Trump's unpredictable messages can complicate the consistency of narratives from senior officials. For instance, after military action in Iran, key officials stated that the U.S. did not aim for regime change, only for Mr. Trump to later express openness to such an outcome on social media.
In this context, aides often refrain from public commentary on presidential policies to avoid contradicting him. This pattern of communication has characterized Mr. Trump’s presidency, reflecting a shift in how presidents engage with the public. True to form, he was active on social media early Tuesday morning, cautioning Israel against military actions and addressing concerns about a potential cease-fire.
Following his statements, Mr. Trump continued to engage with reporters on Air Force One during a flight to Europe for a NATO summit, posting extensively on social media. His communications included sharing a noteworthy message from the NATO secretary general and promoting himself while criticizing Democrats.
As international leaders gather, their understanding of his intentions relies heavily on monitoring his social media updates for guidance on U.S. foreign policy.