Just a few years ago, Trump slammed Pakistan on X (then Twitter) for “lies and deceit.” He was furious that the U.S. had given over $33 billion in aid with little in return. Fast forward to now, and Trump is suddenly full of praise—calling Pakistan a “beloved” partner after a high-profile lunch with Pakistani army chief Gen Asim Munir.
So what changed? The truth is, nothing has really changed—except what Trump needs right now.
From Insults to Endorsements
In 2018, Trump accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists. He cut off aid and openly mocked the country’s leadership. But now, with the 2024 elections behind him and his second term shaping up, Trump is looking for quick foreign policy wins—and Pakistan is playing along.
Why? Because both sides want something.
Trump’s Foreign Policy = What’s Good for Trump
Trump’s approach isn’t about long-term strategy. It’s about short-term optics. According to Vox, Trump doesn’t follow a consistent foreign policy. He trusts his gut. He likes deals that make him look good—and that’s exactly what Pakistan is offering.
Gen Munir even endorsed Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize after Trump claimed he helped ease India-Pakistan tensions. That kind of praise is political gold for Trump, who loves nothing more than global applause.
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Crypto, China, and Terror: What’s Really on the Table
There’s more going on here than handshakes and headlines. Trump and Munir reportedly discussed cryptocurrency, counterterrorism, and even critical minerals. A new deal between Pakistan’s Crypto Council and a U.S. firm linked to Trump’s sons raised eyebrows just days before India launched Operation Sindoor.
Also, Pakistan may act as a go-between in the Iran-Israel crisis, given its ties to Tehran. Trump sees strategic value in this, even if the history is messy.
Why Pakistan Is Playing Along
Pakistan’s intelligence services have a long history of handing over terrorists to the U.S. when it suits them. It’s not about fighting terror—it’s about staying relevant in Washington. Arrests like that of ISIS-K’s Sharifullah—quietly in ISI custody for a year—get “revealed” when the timing helps Islamabad.
This Is a Transaction, Not a Transformation
Don’t mistake Trump’s “love” for loyalty. This is classic transactional politics. Trump gets good headlines and potential deals. Pakistan gets face time with Washington and maybe another round of funding or influence.
As Michael Kugelman put it, the Trump-Munir meeting isn’t just about Iran. It’s about crypto, minerals, and power moves.
