The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Is It Even Possible To Negotiate With Donald Trump?
Sep 2, 2025
Gerald Butts, former principal secretary to Justin Trudeau, shares his firsthand experiences negotiating with Donald Trump during the Canada-U.S. trade talks. James Moore, a former cabinet minister under Stephen Harper, provides his perspective on the challenges of political strategies in the Trump era. They discuss Trump's unique negotiation style, combining emotional intelligence with unpredictable outcomes. The insights reveal the delicate balance needed to navigate international negotiations while maintaining national integrity. It's a compelling dive into political intrigue!
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Craft Wins Trump Can Brag About
- Seek negotiation outcomes that let Trump claim a win while still safeguarding your core interests.
- Design deals that are palatable to his base and politically tolerable at home.
Flattery Can Shift Policy Quickly
- Flattery often works with Trump and can produce dramatic policy shifts, as NATO's rhetoric reversal showed.
- Leaders who flatter him can secure short-term wins that reshape his stance.
Guardrails Have Eroded Inside The White House
- Trump's current team lacks the internal guardrails that once constrained him, increasing unpredictability.
- Replacement advisers may encourage, rather than curb, his instincts.