Jennifer Rubin: Trump’s personality-driven foreign policy must end

(Evan Vuccic | The Associated Press) In this May 20, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump shakes hands with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. In emails obtained by The Associated Press, George Nader claims he later met with Mohammed bin Salman, who by then had been elevated to crown prince, and Abu Dhabi’s crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in a lobbying effort to alter U.S. policy in the Middle East. Lacking a clear understanding of American interests and sporting a gigantic ego, President Donald Trump prioritizes personality over principles and objectives in conducting foreign policy. Now, all presidents attempt to develop a rapport with their international counterparts, but they do so in service of a coherent policy that seeks defined national objectives. In Trump's case, the personal relationship is the sole determinant as to his attitude toward a country or group of countries.

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