Trump lashes out at Zelensky as Ukraine keeps hitting Russian oil

Donald Trump’s reputation as a master negotiator has been called into question as the Iran and Ukraine conflicts test his ability to deliver on his promise of dealmaking. While Trump’s early career as a real estate developer gave him a reputation for aggressive bargaining, his presidency has seen repeated failures to achieve the outcomes he claimed.

In 1982, Trump boldly claimed he could negotiate arms-control agreements with the Soviet Union better than Ronald Reagan. His 1987 book, The Art of the Deal, further cemented his image as a dealmaker. However, his promises to end Russia’s war in Ukraine within a day and his handling of Iran’s ceasefire have been met with skepticism.

Trade disputes triggered by his tariff policies have also highlighted the limits of his negotiating skills, with unilateral duties fueling tensions and raising costs for American businesses and consumers. Trump’s negotiating style, influenced by his business career, often involves threats and a confrontational approach, but diplomats emphasize the importance of compromise and sustained engagement.

Supporters point to Trump’s trade agreements and the Abraham Accords as successes, but experts argue that his ego and tendency to project negotiations as contests can complicate outcomes.