By Rafael Behr
Publication Date: 2026-04-29 05:00:00
DOnald Trump is not impressed by soft power. He respects tough men with military strength. But he can be moved by pageantry, which is the purpose of King Charles’ visit to Washington this week. Trump is flattered to come into contact with majesty. The good vibes are then said to radiate warmth through a political relationship that has cooled due to the war in Iran.
It might work, but not for long. Trump’s anger at Keir Starmer and other European leaders for what he describes as cowardice in the Middle East is compounded daily by evidence that the war is a strategic disaster.
The president appears unable to admit guilt or admit that an opponent has outwitted him. Blaming NATO free riders is an attractive alternative to taking responsibility for the chaos he has wrought.
The vengeful mood in Washington was evident in a leaked Pentagon memo that said the US could oppose Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands. Trump has threatened to scrap UK-US trade deals and launch new…
