US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley recently expressed her views on former President Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach, likening it to a “reverse Nixon.” In a conversation with Miranda Devine on the “Pod Force One” podcast, Crowley suggested that Trump aims to enhance relations with Russia as a strategic move against rising Chinese influence, unlike his predecessor, President Biden, who she claims inadvertently united Beijing and Moscow.
Crowley reflected on Nixon’s historic outreach to China in February 1972, which was intended to normalize relations and counter the Soviet Union’s power. In contrast, Crowley articulated that Trump seeks to reduce diplomatic tensions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, while simultaneously pursuing aggressive trade negotiations with China.
The discussion also highlighted Trump’s criticisms of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with remarks indicating his frustration over Ukraine’s handling of the war and its reliance on US aid. Conversely, Biden has commended Zelensky’s bravery against Russian aggression and has taken a strong stance against Putin, asserting that he should not remain in power.
Crowley emphasized that Nixon’s adaptable nature would have made him wary of the current geopolitical landscape, labeling China as a significant adversary. She noted the contrasting methods of Biden and Trump regarding tariffs on China, indicating that both administrations maintained this economic pressure despite different approaches to Russia.
As for the broader implications, Crowley theorized that Trump’s tactics could reinvigorate the GOP, claiming he is poised to “save the country and the West.” This framing presents a hopeful outlook for Trump’s potential influence on foreign policy and diplomatic strategies moving forward.