WASHINGTON − The global stage is not waiting for Donald Trump to take office.

While Joe Biden holds the presidency, world leaders are beginning to direct their attention—and responsibilities towards global issues—toward Trump, who is preparing to move into the Oval Office in just six weeks.

This shift is evident in Trump’s recent gathering in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where they discussed potential negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to resolve their ongoing conflict. Trump also took to social media to express his intention to stay clear of the escalating situation in Syria, declaring emphatically, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.”

Additionally, Trudeau’s unexpected visit to Mar-a-Lago in Florida last week focused on various topics, including Trump’s newly posed threat of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports.

Trudeau later described the discussions as “excellent,” even though he did not receive any commitments regarding the tariffs.

The traditional norm of having only one active president at a time is fading. Typically, the president-elect maintains a low profile until taking office; this approach allows the sitting president to retain authority and spares the incoming president from confronting immediate complex issues.

Moreover, this is backed by law. The Logan Act, established in 1799 by President John Adams, prohibits unauthorized individuals from engaging in negotiations on behalf of the U.S. with foreign governments, carrying potential penalties, though no one has ever faced conviction under it.

However, Trump’s influence on foreign affairs started the moment he was declared the election winner.

This reflects both his natural tendency to engage vocally on global matters and the willingness of foreign leaders to adapt swiftly to what lies ahead. The contrasting political philosophies between Biden and Trump—one emphasizing a global role for the U.S. and the other adopting an “America first” stance—may contribute to a jarring adjustment period for international capitals.

From imposing significant tariffs to scaling back military support for Ukraine, Trump intends to enact substantial changes in America’s international relations.

For instance, on Sunday, Trump called for “an immediate cease-fire” in the conflict in Ukraine, while the Biden administration hastens to supply armaments to Ukraine before the transition of power takes place in Washington.

Less surprise, more strategy

The warm reception from foreign leaders now contrasts sharply with the reactions following Trump’s initial presidential victory eight years ago.

In 2016, many pundits and global leaders expected that Democrat Hillary Clinton, a seasoned establishment figure, would easily win against the first-time candidate Trump, a brash Republican business and television star.

His unexpected victory led to widespread shock and concern abroad, with some ridicule. In a NATO summit in 2019, Trudeau was caught on camera mocking Trump, alongside then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and others, as they reacted to Trump’s lengthy, unscripted news conference. Trudeau remarked, “You just watched his team’s jaws drop to the floor” as laughter erupted among them.

In response, Trump called Trudeau “two-faced.”

This time, however, Trudeau’s visit to Trump’s residence conveys a sense of respect and loyalty. When Trump attended the opening of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral, Macron positioned him prominently between himself and his wife, while Jill Biden sat further down the line.

Foreign leaders, alongside American politicians, took the prospect of a Trump presidency more seriously this time, engaging in behind-the-scenes efforts to cultivate relationships with the candidate and his close advisors.

At the Notre Dame event, Elon Musk—now Trump’s significant ally—was present. Recently, despite the Logan Act’s stipulations, Musk met with Iran’s ambassador to the U.S. to discuss the tense dynamics between the two nations on Trump’s behalf.

Hold On – We’re Still Here

Biden is not prepared to hand over authority to the man he defeated four years ago and has consistently warned against since then.

Recently, the Biden administration collaborated with France to establish a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and has resumed discussions regarding a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, aiming to halt or pause the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Furthermore, securing the release of the remaining Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, is a shared objective for both Biden and Trump – a triumph for Biden that would alleviate one significant crisis for Trump.

In fact, Trump’s primary focus during his campaign and afterward has been more on domestic concerns rather than foreign policy. This includes the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, enhancing energy production, and reforming the federal government.

Yet, Trump’s presidency may not entirely hinge on his own agenda, especially considering the urgent international developments.

“There will be serious consequences in the Middle East, and for those accountable for these crimes against humanity” if all hostages are not released by January 20, he stated on social media. “Those who are responsible will face repercussions greater than ever before.”

Biden’s approach has been more measured, assuring the families of hostages, “I will continue to fight to bring your loved ones back where they belong.”

That is, at least until January 20.