Thursday, February 5, 2026-President Donald Trump continues to defend his signature approach to politics and negotiation, insisting that being unpredictable gives him leverage over both rivals and allies.
Trump argues that keeping opponents off balance forces them to take his positions seriously and can extract concessions they would not make if his moves were predictable. This mindset, rooted in his self-image as a master deal-maker, drives his rhetoric on everything from foreign policy to trade and immigration, and he maintains it keeps him ahead of conventional political adversaries in Washington.
Critics, however, warn that this unpredictability comes with significant costs that could undermine long-term strategic interests. Allies and international partners have grown wary of sudden policy shifts and abrupt demands, which can erode trust and make it harder to build stable, long-term agreements on global challenges such as trade and security.
Even some supporters suggest that constant volatility may lead others to simply wait out his moves rather than engage, weakening the leverage Trump claims to gain through surprise tactics.
Domestically, Trump’s mercurial style also carries downsides, contributing to political polarization and uncertainty within his own party. Lawmakers and federal agencies often struggle to keep pace with rapid changes in direction, creating confusion over priorities and execution.
While unpredictability can energize core supporters and dominate headlines, analysts say it risks alienating moderates, unsettling markets, and straining institutions — highlighting the trade-off between short-term influence and long-term governance stability.
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