Thankfulness Policy: How Trump Demands Gratitude from World Leaders - Media.

U.S. President Donald Trump typically wants to hear words of gratitude from his allies, but these meetings mostly take place behind closed doors. However, after Trump's conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the White House sought to emphasize that the Ukrainian leader expressed his gratitude to the American president. This information is reported by the newspaper The New York Times.

In the statement about the conversation, it was noted that Zelensky thanked Trump for his efforts to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia. It was also noted that Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Trump for his leadership. These words confirm the tendency of the Trump administration to demonstrate gratitude to U.S. allies in foreign policy.

President of the Council on Foreign Relations Michael Froman claims that Trump approaches diplomacy from a transactional perspective. He views assistance to U.S. allies as a favor, rather than a strategic component of foreign policy.

A recent example of a meeting between Trump, Mike Pence, and Zelensky confirms his inclination towards gratitude. During the meeting, Mike Pence told Zelensky:

'You need to thank the president for trying to end the conflict.'

'You are acting ungratefully. That’s bad.'

It seems that Trump is taking a softer stance in relations with Russia. In the report about the conversation with Putin, there were no expressions of gratitude from Trump.

The newspaper The New York Times emphasizes that Trump's desire for recognition is a new reality in U.S. diplomatic relations. Presidents often seek recognition for their military or humanitarian support, but Trump uses this as a means to achieve his goals.

Director of the Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute Kori Schake expressed the opinion that Trump treats allies as subjects rather than equals. According to her, in this transactional world order, if you submit to the American president, you will get what you want.