Wellington, NZ – As Donald Trump reclaims the spotlight as a dominant figure in global politics, his leadership style—widely regarded as the most narcissistic of any 21st-century world leader—presents both challenges and opportunities for smaller nations like Aotearoa, New Zealand. Known for demanding loyalty and submission from those he negotiates with, Trump’s transactional approach to international relations could be the key to avoiding punitive trade tariffs from the United States.
Trump’s worldview, shaped by his business background and famously outlined in The Art of the Deal, prioritizes hard-nosed negotiation over traditional diplomacy. While this tactic may falter in the complex arena of global affairs, it has proven effective in securing concessions from nations eager to stay in Washington’s good graces. For New Zealand, a country reliant on export markets, understanding and exploiting this dynamic could be critical.
Experts suggest that a New Zealand Prime Minister should approach a meeting in the Oval Office armed with a carefully crafted strategy: offer Trump a deal he can’t resist, while subtly retaining control. One proposed tactic involves offering high-profile investment projects in politically strategic U.S. regions—specifically, Republican-leaning “red states.” For instance, proposing to build a Fisher & Paykel appliance factory or a Fonterra dairy processing plant could appeal to Trump’s desire to tout economic wins for his base.
The catch? Follow the playbook of nations like the United Arab Emirates and South Korea, which have dodged U.S. tariffs by pledging billions in investments—pledges that often stall in execution. Aotearoa could, for example, purchase land for such a project, only to let it languish in bureaucratic limbo, such as building consent delays. This approach buys time without committing to long-term costs, allowing New Zealand to wait out Trump’s term until a new administration, potentially less fixated on deal-making, takes office in four years.
While critics may decry this as a cynical ploy, proponents argue it’s a pragmatic response to an unconventional leader. Trump’s insistence on fealty and his focus on short-term wins leave room for smaller nations to maneuver, provided they play to his ego and instincts. For Aotearoa, the stakes are high—trade sanctions could disrupt its agricultural and manufacturing exports—but the solution may lie in mastering the art of the deal, Trump-style.
