President Trump’s distinctive approach to foreign policy is raising eyebrows and creating friction with long-standing allies, as evidenced by recent events spanning Greenland, Ukraine, and Syria. Critics suggest that Trump, along with a small circle of close advisors, is driving US policy in a manner that often bypasses traditional diplomatic channels and established national security protocols.
The situation with Greenland serves as a prime example. Following what appeared to be a routine meeting between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials in Nuuk, Greenland, the appointment of a special envoy to the island nation by President Trump sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles. The envoy’s subsequent social media post suggesting a desire to make Greenland part of the United States reportedly caught Copenhagen off guard and surprised even senior US officials working on European and NATO affairs.
Trump and his supporters maintain that US interests in Greenland are vital to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, arguing that Denmark cannot adequately ensure its security. The US already operates a base in Greenland and possesses the treaty rights to expand its presence under a 1951 agreement with Denmark.
This episode reflects a broader pattern of Trump’s administration sidelining career diplomats and implementing abrupt policy shifts, often formulated without consulting the national security experts who guided previous administrations. Instead, a select few advisors appear to hold significant sway. This has included actions such as the implicit threat of acquiring Greenland, seeking concessions from Denmark, and floating the idea of imposing new tariffs on allied nations.
The identities of these influential advisors remain a subject of speculation, but reports suggest figures like Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among those who have the President’s ear. This unconventional approach to diplomacy is causing considerable unease among allies accustomed to a more predictable and collaborative relationship with the United States.
