Nournews: Donald Trump, the controversial U.S. president, has drawn attention not only for his polarizing policies but also for his unconventional and often degrading behavior in diplomatic meetings. The latest example is his unprecedented treatment of the South African president. During a meeting in the White House, Trump turned off the lights in the Oval Office and played a video about so-called "reverse racism" in South Africa, aiming to portray white citizens there as oppressed and under threat.
This action was described by the South African guest as offensive and baseless. It reflected Trump's personality: a narcissist with a penchant for humiliating others, who sees the Oval Office not as a symbol of mutual respect but as a stage for displaying personal pride and dominance.
Surprised by Trump's behavior, the South African president responded with sarcasm, referencing Qatar’s financial support for the U.S. and expressing regret that his own country “didn't have a plane to offer as a gift.” A similar pattern emerged in Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. From the moment Zelensky entered the room, Trump mocked his military attire, turning the meeting into a scene of ridicule.
When Zelensky reacted to the disrespect, tensions escalated, resulting in a heated argument and even shouting between the two leaders. Trump's Vice President, J.D. Vance, joined in, dismissively calling Zelensky “ungrateful.” When Zelensky attempted to respond, Trump cut him off with a sarcastic remark: “You’ve talked enough.”
These incidents go beyond personal conflict. In his second term, Trump appears determined to use humiliation as a tool of diplomacy, asserting his power by belittling others. This troubling approach is not only a threat to smaller nations but also a serious warning sign for traditional allies like Europe.
The Oval Office—once a symbol of respect and America's openness to dialogue—has, under Trump, begun to resemble a "diplomatic torture chamber." In this room, instead of honoring guests, they are subjected to offensive spectacles and biting remarks.
Such behavior undermines diplomacy and risks weakening America's global standing in the long term. If this style of conduct continues, even close European allies may start to dread what kind of “humiliation performance” awaits them in future visits.
The world may be entering a new era of aggressive, unconventional diplomacy—an era marked not by dialogue, but by degradation and power plays.
NOURNEWS