"Trump Focuses on 'Diplomatic Legacy' Amid Falling Approval and Shutdown"

Highlighting Achievements from Asia Tour While Overlooking the Shutdown Crisis
WSJ: "Aiming for a Diplomatic Legacy to Be Remembered in History"

Analysts have pointed out that President Donald Trump of the United States is putting aside the country’s complex domestic issues to focus on highlighting himself as a “negotiator” and “peace mediator” on the diplomatic stage.

Donald Trump, President of the United States, is delivering a special keynote speech at the '2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit (APEC CEO SUMMIT)' held on the 29th at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongbuk.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 30th (local time) that President Trump is actively engaging in various international negotiations and peace talks, aiming to leave a diplomatic legacy that will be remembered in the long term.

President Trump, having just completed a six-day tour of Asia, emphasized the trade agreements and new investment achievements secured abroad. However, domestically, he is struggling to address internal challenges, such as the prolonged federal government shutdown, which is causing increased social unrest.

The WSJ analyzed that this stark contrast clearly demonstrates why President Trump is focusing on diplomacy. The newspaper noted, “On the international stage, he negotiates with foreign leaders amid grand protocol, but at home, he faces political difficulties such as conflicts with Congress and declining approval ratings.”

President Trump appears intent on strengthening his political brand by building an image overseas as a master dealmaker and peace mediator. An anonymous administration official stated, “History remembers achievements in international negotiations longer than the resolution of domestic issues. Few recall former President Reagan’s healthcare policy, but his speech demanding the fall of the Berlin Wall endures.”

Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Party has strongly criticized President Trump’s overseas trip. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of the Democratic Party pointed out, “The President spent more time talking with Hamas or China than consulting with Congressional leadership to end the shutdown.”

In response, President Trump has blamed the Democratic Party for the shutdown and has refused to negotiate directly with the opposition.

According to U.S. government officials, following his recent mediation of a ceasefire in Gaza, President Trump has set ending the war in Ukraine as his next diplomatic goal. He also raised the issue during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, expressing his intention to pursue an end to the conflict through cooperation with China.

However, while his activities on the international stage are intensifying, his domestic approval ratings continue to decline. In a recent Reuters-Ipsos poll, 63% of respondents gave a negative assessment of the Trump administration’s policies for addressing inflation.

Experts have warned that, since voters prioritize the domestic economy over diplomacy, such public sentiment could work against the Republican Party in next year’s midterm elections.