The Art of Sycophancy: Trump's European Summit and Its Implications

This week may go down in history as the moment when President Donald Trump arrived in Europe to address defense spending, but diplomats might remember it as a display of rampant obsequiousness, highlighted by the lengths to which some leaders went to curry favor with the president in a bid to tame his unpredictability. Upon returning to Washington from this week’s NATO summit in The Hague, the White House shared a celebratory video reflecting the administration's satisfaction with the trip. The summit culminated in a joint press conference where NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, after lavishing praise on Trump's approach to Iran, infamously referred to him as "daddy." This awkward moment quickly drew ridicule, suggesting that sycophancy may have backfired on Rutte. Meanwhile, Trump's team reveled in their self-perceived triumph, with the video featuring handshakes with world leaders and a soundtracked nod to a pop hit, reinforcing the idea that Team Trump was basking in the glory of their interactions. The tone of Rutte’s public flattery was comparatively subdued next to the private messages he reportedly sent to Trump before the summit, wherein he praised the president's decisive actions on Iran as "truly extraordinary." The contents of these messages were leaked, giving Trump the chance to smirk about his popularity among world leaders while his cabinet chuckled behind him. This style of abject flattery—whether described using metaphors of physical submission or bodily functions—reflects a fundamental degradation of respect for both the flattery and the flattered. One must wonder what is more cringe-worthy: the ritualistic praise of Trump from his cabinet members or the fact that such ego-stroking seems requisite for engaging with the president in any meaningful way. For many of the president's allies, this pandering is perceived as a path to favor and reward. A notable example includes Kristi Noem, the former Governor of South Dakota, who, in a striking act of devotion, presented Trump with a bronze statue of Mount Rushmore resembling his likeness alongside those of esteemed past presidents. Such gestures may lead to positions of power within the Trump administration, as evidenced by Stephen Miller, now deputy chief of staff, who previously characterized Trump as "the most stylish president in our lifetime." Viewing Trump’s administration through the lens of a modern court dynamic offers insight, as noted by Sam Edwards, a political historian at Loughborough University. This perspective frames acts of performative sycophancy as a strategic maneuver rather than simple allegiance. For instance, Rutte may be seen as undermining his dignity for a calculated objective—achieving NATO member commitments to a 2% defense spending target, a goal he shares with Trump. However, this interpretation is not universally accepted. Critics, including Trump's former communications director Anthony Scaramucci, decry Rutte's submission, asserting, "Mr. Rutte, he’s trying to embarrass you, sir." David H. Dunn, a professor of international politics, argues that flattery does not guarantee Trump's appreciation; instead, it demonstrates weakness. He cautions that those who indulge in bootlicking are often dismissed by Trump, as his preference lies with showing strength over adulation. The concern from critics remains that excessive subservience transforms the dynamic of international relationships, creating a perception that the alliance with the U.S. is unequal. Dunn asserts that the America of old, characterized by shared values and mutual respect, is becoming obsolete as countries like the Netherlands exhibit fealty to a leader rather than engaging as partners. As world leaders navigate their relationships with Trump, the question remains: can flattery lead to fruitful alliances, or does it merely serve to highlight the fragility and instability of such diplomatic ties? In an era of unpredictability and unilateralism, the art of sycophancy raises challenging questions about the nature of leadership and international cooperation. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2