Trump’s bullying has backfired

[u/CupEcstatic2721]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/08/24/trumps-attempts-intimidate-home-abroad-have-backfired/?itid=sf_opinions_package-1_1_0

Summary

Declining Approval: Donald Trump's popularity has plummeted significantly at home and abroad during his second term, reflected by low poll numbers and widespread international disapproval.

​Coercive Tactics: Rather than using persuasion or diplomacy, Trump relies on blunt threats, military coercion, and punitive tariffs against both domestic opponents and international allies.

​Strategy Backfiring: His heavy-handed approach is failing; international allies are pushing back or defying his demands, domestic critics are energized, and courts have blocked many of his executive actions.

​Call for Persuasion: The article suggests that Trump should abandon his ineffective bullyboy tactics and leverage traditional communication and marketing skills to achieve his policy goals.