Media: Trump's potential comeback casts a long shadow over G20 talks in Rio

Donald Trump’s looming return to the global stage casts a long shadow over the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, even though his name remains conspicuously absent from official discussions.

While key topics at the summit include climate change, global hunger, and conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, there has been little public commentary on Trump, despite his reelection bid influencing virtually every discussion, Caliber.Az reports, citing Politico.

Although the global spotlight is on US President Joe Biden’s final overseas summit, world leaders have been hesitant to speak openly about Trump’s imminent second term. In fact, none of the Brazilian officials who addressed the media on November 18, nor President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, referenced the US president-elect in their speeches. French President Emmanuel Macron, however, subtly alluded to Trump’s potential impact on international trade. He warned that the “fragmentation” of the global order could be exacerbated by aggressive tariff policies from the world’s leading economies.

When questioned about Trump’s stance on Ukraine, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer avoided direct criticism, instead emphasising the need to counter Russia’s actions for the protection of democratic freedoms. This diplomatic caution is reflective of a broader reluctance among G20 leaders to engage in discussions that might escalate tensions with the incoming US administration.

Despite the silence in public forums, Trump’s presence is felt in private conversations. A diplomat from a G20 nation revealed that the prospect of Trump’s return has left negotiators feeling paralysed. Biden, too, has largely avoided discussing his successor in detail. Although he acknowledged that his current term would soon end, he has declined to address more direct inquiries about the implications of a second Trump presidency. In fact, he remained tight-lipped when asked about the incoming administration during a meeting with Japanese and South Korean leaders.

The Biden administration has made efforts to downplay Trump’s influence at these summits. A senior official remarked that Trump’s name was not mentioned in the discussions between Biden and key international leaders. When asked about Trump’s relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, another official dismissed it as irrelevant to the ongoing discussions. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, similarly downplayed any direct conversation about Trump, instead focusing on the smooth transition of power due to take place in January.

While some leaders privately express concern about Trump’s return, others, such as Argentine President Javier Milei, have publicly endorsed the prospect, with Milei even sharing a clip celebrating Trump’s rise to power. However, the general silence at the G20 reflects unease about the future direction of US foreign policy under Trump, who has indicated his intention to prioritise American interests and reassert a more confrontational stance on the international stage.

Ahead of the summit, Trump has already nominated several key figures for his future administration, including his secretary of state, national security adviser, and UN ambassador. These appointments suggest an administration focused on American exceptionalism and sceptical of multilateral organisations. The growing involvement of tech mogul Elon Musk in Trump’s inner circle has further raised concerns about the future of US-Europe relations, particularly regarding Musk’s contentious interactions with European regulators.

Despite such concerns, world leaders have refrained from commenting directly on Trump’s choices. For example, Starmer declined to discuss Trump’s cabinet picks or Musk’s controversial statements on Ukraine, emphasising the need for a constructive relationship with the US administration.

Some leaders, including UN Secretary General António Guterres, expressed confidence that international institutions would be able to withstand any shocks caused by a Trump presidency, highlighting the importance of multilateralism in navigating global challenges.

In conclusion, while Trump’s return to power is a looming presence at the G20, world leaders are playing their cards close to their chests, wary of provoking him before he even takes office. The uncertainty surrounding his second term adds to the geopolitical complexities facing the global community.

By Aghakazim Guliyev