Trump defends relations with world leaders amid his 2024 campaign.

Donald Trump, former president of the United States and current candidate for the presidency in 2024, has recently defended his relationship with world leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and Xi Jinping. During an event, Trump expressed that he believes it is beneficial to get along with these leaders, despite the criticism he has received for his approach. “I know each one of them. And let me tell you, people will say, 'Oh, this is terrible.' I'm not saying anything good or bad. They are at the top of their game, they are tough, they are smart, and they are going to protect their country,” he stated. The former president argued that his relationship with these leaders is a pragmatic strategy. In his statements, Trump emphasized that while these leaders have very different governance styles, they also have a sense of loyalty to their nations. “They probably love their country. It's just a different kind of love, but they are going to protect it,” he added. This assertion has generated mixed reactions, from those who support his approach to those who criticize his apparent sympathy towards figures viewed as authoritarian on the international stage. Trump also noted how the arrival of the Democratic government in 2021 has changed the perception these leaders have of the United States. According to his perspective, the country has lost the respect it had gained during his administration. “Our country is very bad right now. It’s such a different place. We were respected,” he stated, alluding to how his foreign policy had established a balance in international relations. The former president recalled a particular moment when he urged not to buy oil from a specific country, asserting that his administration had a tangible impact on the decisions of other international actors. “Four years ago, we were respected to the point that when I said 'don’t buy oil,' they didn’t,” he emphasized, suggesting that his direct approach had led to a change in the global dynamic. Trump also referenced Israel's security, arguing that under his leadership, the country would not have faced attacks. “There’s zero chance Israel would have been attacked during my administration,” he declared, in an attempt to reinforce his message that his foreign policy was more effective and beneficial for America's allies. Trump's message comes at a time when his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, has shown a surprising start to her campaign, surpassing Trump in fundraising in several key states. The competition between the two is intensifying, and Trump's comments regarding his relationship with international leaders could be an attempt to regain ground in the realm of foreign policy, a critical issue in presidential campaigns. However, Trump's strategy of engaging with controversial leaders raises questions about the direction and values of U.S. foreign policy. Many critics see his approach as a sign of disloyalty to America's traditional alliances and a nod to regimes that have been accused of human rights violations. The former president appears convinced that his leadership style, characterized by direct and often confrontational communication, is a way to regain respect on the global stage. Defending his relationships with figures like Putin, Kim, and Xi could be seen as a continuation of his "America First" mantra, although this approach divides voter opinions. As the election campaign progresses, it will be crucial to observe how these comments impact public perception of Trump and his ability to attract voters who value stability and security in foreign policy. With a support base that still shows loyalty, the former president is determined to demonstrate that a friendly approach towards world leaders has its place in national strategy. Meanwhile, the race for the White House is heating up, and the power dynamics among candidates are becoming more complicated. Trump's stances on his relationships with these international leaders could be a key piece in his electoral narrative as he seeks to position himself as the candidate who can restore respect and strength for the United States in the world. The question remains whether this approach will resonate with voters in an increasingly complex global context.