Key Takeaways
• Former UK defense chief Ben Wallace says flattery won’t win Donald Trump’s favor.
• He urges world leaders to read the 1991 book Trumped! for practical Trump advice.
• The book portrays Trump as careless with details and obsessed with his image.
• Leaders should learn his quirks—like love of suits—to avoid missteps.
• Relying on flattery leaves Europe vulnerable, as seen in Ukraine and Venezuela.
• Trump’s Plan A for Venezuela may fail, and he seems to lack a clear Plan B.
Trump Advice: Lessons From a 1991 Book
Former British defense secretary Sir Ben Wallace urges foreign leaders to skip flattery when dealing with Donald Trump. Instead, he suggests they read Trumped! by John R. O’Donnell. Published in 1991, the book offers rare insights into Trump’s character. Wallace says this old guide gives better Trump advice than gold watches or praise.
Wallace co-hosts the One Decision podcast and explained why simple flattery fails. He recalled world leaders sending Trump gold gifts and praise. Yet Trump barely notices such gestures. According to Wallace, real success comes from knowing what bothers Trump. For example, Trump cares deeply about wearing a sharp suit. Missing that detail can trigger his anger.
Trump Advice Shown in Trumped!
Trumped! The Inside Story of the Real Donald Trump paints a vivid picture of a young Trump. This casino insider book describes him as a “cocksure boor” who ignores small risks. It details his obsession with image, germaphobia, and harsh treatment of staff. Most importantly, it shows that simple praise won’t steer his decisions.
Wallace points to an Oval Office scene with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky went without a suit and faced sharp criticism from Trump and his vice president. If Zelensky had known Trump’s obsession, he might have chosen his own suit. That is the kind of Trump advice world leaders need.
Why Flattery Fails With Trump
Many European leaders try to charm Trump with compliments and polite language. Yet, they end up with lukewarm support or public contempt. Senior American adviser Philip Gordon explained that Europe feels stuck. They depend on the U.S. for security. They fear Trump’s retribution if they push back.
Even so, praising Trump has not brought Europe stronger backing. Instead, Trump often responds with insults or sudden policy shifts. This pattern shows that flattery can backfire. Real Trump advice means being direct and understanding his habits.
How Trump’s Traits Shape His Decisions
The 1991 book and recent events show that Trump acts on impulse. Unlike leaders who weigh risks, he often leaps before looking. Obama’s advisers spent weeks on second- and third-order effects. Trump’s team sometimes skips this step. As Gordon noted on the podcast, Trump can reverse himself if provoked.
For example, Trump threatened to seize Greenland from Denmark. He also ordered a raid on Caracas that removed Nicolás Maduro in one bold move. Such actions reflect his style: grand gestures without clear follow-up. Learning from the Trumped! book, leaders can predict what triggers Trump. That counts as solid Trump advice.
Lessons for Europe and Beyond
Europe’s strategy has relied on nice words. But Wallace and Gordon agree that this approach leaves Europe “irrelevant.” Instead, leaders should:
• Learn Trump’s pet peeves, like his suit obsession.
• Speak directly and avoid overthinking every outcome.
• Prepare realistic offers that match Trump’s short attention span.
• Plan for sudden shifts, since Trump may change course on a whim.
By following this Trump advice, nations can make smarter appeals for support.
Trump’s Missing Plan B
Recent events in Venezuela show a deeper risk. Trump’s Plan A seems to be scaring Maduro’s allies into compliance. He hopes they will pay back U.S. oil firms and allow U.S. investment. Yet if fear fails to change minds, Trump has no clear Plan B.
Gordon warns that if Maduro’s inner circle resists, the U.S. may face a long intervention. That scenario could echo Afghanistan or Iraq, with messy post-conflict challenges. Without a backup plan, Trump might dig the U.S. into a deeper hole. Understanding this gap is also part of good Trump advice.
Conclusion
Flattery, gold watches, and polite speeches will not win Donald Trump’s long-term support. Real Trump advice comes from studying what bothers him and staying ready for swift changes. World leaders should turn to Trumped! and learn how to read the room. Then they can make smarter deals, protect their interests, and avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main lesson from the book Trumped!?
The key lesson is that Trump responds to his own image and minor details, not to praise or gifts. Understanding his quirks gives a leader an edge.
Why does flattery fail with Donald Trump?
Trump sees flattery as meaningless. He prefers gestures or facts that align with his ego and immediate interests.
How can leaders use Trump advice effectively?
Leaders should know Trump’s pet peeves, speak plainly, and plan for quick policy shifts. They must also have backup plans in case Trump reverses course.
What happened with Zelensky’s visit to the Oval Office?
Zelensky faced criticism from Trump for not wearing a suit. This incident shows how small details can trigger Trump’s displeasure and affect negotiations.