Is Donald Trump a Good Negotiator? Debunking the Myths

The notion that Donald Trump is a skilled negotiator has been debunked time and time again by his track record and undeniable criticisms from experts and opponents alike. His history as a businessman and his subsequent political career offer a stark contrast to the image of a master negotiator.

Trump's Reliance on Deception

One of the most significant hurdles in Trump's negotiation style is his blatant and relentless use of deception. According to Politifact and other fact-checking agencies, Trump has been documented to lie over 30,000 times in public, a number far surpassing any other individual in US history. This deceit has a profound impact on his ability to negotiate effectively, especially with foreign countries.

Many foreign intelligence agencies monitor these fact-checking websites, ensuring that their negotiators are fully aware of Trump's dishonesty. As a result, they approach negotiation meetings with a clear disadvantage, knowing that Trump's words cannot be trusted. This illusion of negotiation often leads to failed agreements and mutual distrust.

Bullied into Submission

Another component of Trump's negotiation style is his tendency to bully and coerce. Trump often uses aggressive and threatening tactics, which neither build trust nor foster productive dialogue. Instead, his demand-to-conform approach leads to a breakdown of communication and often results in backstabbing and renegotiations at a later stage.

Trump's history of not honoring deals is well-documented. For instance, he instructs his employees to never pay a bill without negotiating it down, a clear sign of his own unwillingness to adhere to the terms of a deal. This pattern of behavior is reflected in the many lawsuits he faces and the numerous legal disputes stemming from his business ventures.

The Kim Jong Un and Taliban Deals: Broken Negotiations

Two of Trump's most high-profile negotiations, the summit with Kim Jong Un and the Afghanistan withdrawal deal with the Taliban, further cast doubt on his negotiation abilities. The former resulted in the release of 1000 Afghan nationals, while the latter saw the release of 5000 Taliban fighters from prison in exchange for deals, as judged by even a 6-year-old, are nothing short of poor.

The lack of diligence in the terms of the deals suggests a shallow understanding of negotiation principles and a tendency to prioritize personal gain over practical outcomes. This approach does not bode well for his ability to enter into and sustain successful negotiations.

A Failed Career in Business

Arguing that Trump is the best at anything is laughable when considering his consistent failure in business ventures. Consider the following metrics: