Trump’s global diplomacy: A look at his past and upcoming international visits

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made several high-profile visits to countries worldwide during his tenure in office and since stepping down in 2021. These visits have sparked significant conversation about his diplomatic approach, international relations, and the lasting impact of his foreign policy. This article explores where Trump has travelled and what his future international visits may entail.

During his presidency, Trump travelled extensively, aiming to strengthen U.S. ties with key allies and engage with adversaries on the global stage. His first overseas trip as president took him to Saudi Arabia in May 2017. This visit was a pivotal moment in U.S.-Saudi relations, with Trump participating in the Arab Islamic American Summit. It also highlighted his administration’s focus on combating terrorism and fostering stronger economic and defence ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

One of the most dramatic moments of Trump’s foreign policy came when he became the first sitting U.S. president to meet with a North Korean leader. In 2018, Trump travelled to Singapore for a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The meeting was followed by another summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2019. While the talks raised hopes for a breakthrough on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, they ultimately failed to yield a concrete deal. Nevertheless, these visits marked a significant departure from traditional diplomatic approaches.

Trump’s 2017 visit to Israel was also a defining moment in his presidency. During the trip, he made the controversial decision to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a decision that had long been called for by pro-Israel advocates but was met with strong criticism from Palestinians and many in the international community. His visit also focused on solidifying U.S.-Israel ties, particularly in light of growing concerns about Iran’s regional influence.

Trump’s visits to European countries during his presidency were frequent and often tense. Trump focused on issues such as NATO commitments, trade negotiations, and the European security framework in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy. His interactions with European leaders were sometimes strained, especially over issues like climate change and defence spending. Despite these tensions, his visits underscored the importance of transatlantic relations.

Another significant stop during Trump’s term was China, where he travelled in 2017 for talks with President Xi Jinping. The visit came amid escalating trade tensions between the two nations. During the trip, Trump and Xi discussed the trade imbalance and broader concerns regarding North Korea. The visit highlighted Trump’s “America First” trade policy, which sought to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and address what he saw as unfair economic practices by China.

Since leaving office, Trump has remained an influential figure on the international stage. He continues to make headlines for his public statements, attendance at political rallies, and participation in global conversations. In particular, Trump has maintained a strong connection with the United Kingdom, often commenting on political developments such as Brexit and continuing to engage with British conservatives.

He has also remained a key figure in Israeli politics, and reports suggest that he may visit the country again shortly to discuss ongoing developments, including the success of the Abraham Accords and the broader Middle East peace process. These agreements, which were brokered under his administration, normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Looking ahead, speculation about Trump’s future travels continues to swirl. While his official travel plans for 2025 have not been confirmed, some analysts believe he may visit countries like Russia, China, or Brazil. His ongoing influence within the U.S. Republican Party and his close relationships with leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro suggest that future diplomatic missions could focus on strengthening political alliances with these nations.

As president and post-office, Trump’s global presence reflects a distinctive approach to diplomacy—one that prioritises direct engagement, personal relationships with foreign leaders, and unconventional negotiations. Whether his future travels will follow this same pattern or evolve into a new chapter remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that his influence on the global stage continues to shape international discussions on diplomacy, trade, and security.