How Golfing with Trump Sharpens U.S.-EU Ties
In a world where diplomatic ties can often feel strained, one unlikely bond has emerged as a pivotal force in navigating complex international relations: the friendship between former President Donald Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The recent Wall Street Journal video, "How Golfing With Trump Sharpens U.S.-EU Ties," delves into this unique relationship and its implications for global diplomacy, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Finland’s decision to join NATO following Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine marked a significant departure from its long-standing policy of neutrality. This shift has placed Finland at the center of European security discussions, with Stubb emerging as a key player. Known for his pragmatic approach, Stubb has forged a close relationship with Trump, establishing himself as one of the former president’s favored European confidants. Their mutual affinity for golf has become more than just a pastime; it’s a platform for diplomacy, allowing them to discuss critical issues away from the public eye.
In an insightful interview conducted by WSJ’s Vera Bergengruen, Stubb reflects on how their golfing excursions have facilitated open conversations about pressing matters, including NATO defense spending and strategies to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Russia. The interaction on the golf course, where informal dialogue flourishes, has allowed Stubb to convey the nuances of European perspectives directly to Trump, thereby fostering deeper understanding between the U.S. and its European allies.
As the international community grapples with the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, the partnership between Stubb and Trump presents a fascinating case study. It underscores how informal relationships can influence high-stakes diplomacy. Stubb’s role in preemptive discussions ahead of Trump’s meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin exemplifies the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and reinforcing alliances during turbulent times.
Moreover, the video touches on the subject of NATO defense spending, an issue that has long been a point of contention within the alliance. Stubb’s candid discourse with Trump on this matter reflects broader European concerns and highlights the delicate balance between military readiness and economic sustainability.
In essence, "How Golfing With Trump Sharpens U.S.-EU Ties" not only portrays the camaraderie between two leaders but also sheds light on the practical implications of their relationship in shaping a unified response to geopolitical challenges. By leveraging personal rapport and informal communication, Stubb and Trump exemplify a modern approach to diplomacy that resonates in today’s complex political landscape.
Watch the video by The Wall Street Journal
Video “How Golfing With Trump Sharpens U.S.-EU Ties | WSJ” was uploaded on 08/14/2025 to Youtube Channel The Wall Street Journal
Please don't anyone dare to defeat the President in a golf game, the victor may have to face extra 200-500% tariffs…
Had Trump been in office during the outset of the 2022 invasion and Finland's and Sweden's application to NATO, there is 0 chance Trump would have signed off their NATO accession. Or maybe if both countries would have offered some type of gift to Trump.
Stubb is a prime example of realpolitik of the 2020s. It is in the interests of our country that he describes Trump as a competent president. Going against Trump in these matters would only bite such a small country as Finland.
Cheating at GOLF ? Awwww…
Everything is about assuaging this man’s ego. It’s ridiculous that this is framed as anything but dealing with a narcissistic authoritarian bully.
great video
How hard must it be for WSJ to post this, the dude leading Trump, it goes completely against everything WSJ stands for.
Politics at its best.
ВауУУУУ😮😮😮
Это же новый президент Финляндии ?????😮😮😮😮😳😳😳😳🤭🫣🫣
This guy is just a puppet. No point losing your time watching this.
free Palestine stop genocide
Stubb is a real president no dictator
Trump give Russia minerals
And gasolin from Alaska 😮😮 This will never STOP
Wow I always thought I was to stupid to be president. I swear dudes all these old dudes are idiots and get nothing useful or mainstream done. Crazy to just play golf and watch millions die.
Every time I open youtube it’s just about trump trump and trump
I dont think so, trumph is very smart
Western media is so creep. MBS and Qatari aamir as well as recently pakistani dictator also played golf with Trump I guess.
Sucking up to Trump and pleasing his ego is the only way to get what you want from him. So I'm not sure whether Stubbs is playing Trump like a master or whether he actually believes what he is saying …
Stubb have a dirty background in Finland, back in a days. It was an mistake, as for me, to go "right" in economy and join NATO, loosing their weight on policial arena like neutral social democratic country with many cultural and science programs. Plus, neutral position make posible deals with any countries, like it was between USSR and Finland. For example Linux OS and Nokia was invented in Finland. Now they need to cut medical care, cut educational programs , freeze pensions and increase debt. US is in a very long distance from Finland, but Russia is near.
Liar, Cheater
Man this guy is super cool!
I really hope we don’t stop buying Russian Oil 😂
Europeans are historically very good at appeasement
Playing golf with Trump will give you great tips on how to cheat…
He will do anything for you
Why would anyone want to play golf with a cheater?
Just tell Trump how great he is and he is your friend. Just like petting a dog.
pretty sure trump is isolated from what russia is actually saying about him on national tv in russia…they are calling him an idiot
how? wsj makes a hole anywhere ball goes
He will throw you aside if it meant putting off the Epstein Files an extra day.
This guy is so sharp and professional he's running circles around Trumps ego.
I know Finnish people through Aki Kaurismaki and I thought they are frank and blunt when it comes to expressing truth but the president proves it wrong. I did not expect him to turn into another president praising trump for skills that he doesn’t have 😅🤷♂️
Because he is smart. He had a good YouTube channel before he ran ❤❤
Stubb is a really cool leader. Love Finland
Lying bluntly that finland builds 80% of icebreakers when even the Finnish president admits no one comes close to Russia in icebreakers 😅. Why are u normalizing lies lady
It's just one big money laundromat to these war profiteers. Despicable!
Trump is admired in Europe because of his 'Art of the Deal' skills. You can hear that in the Finnish President relationship with Trump. The United States is the Europe Safety Valve that keeps Russia (Putin) aggression at arms length. It hasn't been that way in past administrations. Georgia, Ukraine, the Baltic states, and central Europe are a reflection of weak US influence before President Trump. Not since Reagan has there been a US President that righted hard times only to have weak presidents repeat hard times.
Yeah we all know how Denmark became the opposite… 😂
I'm happy to have Finland and Sweden in NATO. 2 strong countries, who can be trusted… unlike another NATO member…
He sound gay.
Read more about Finnish President Alexander Stubb and President Trump's bond here: https://on.wsj.com/4mlhYek