Bolton’s warning suggests that both leaders understand Trump’s desire for personal loyalty, public praise, and strongman-style diplomacy. Instead of treating him as a trusted partner, they may see him as someone whose ego can be used as leverage. By offering compliments, staged warmth, or the appearance of friendship, they can potentially push negotiations in directions that benefit China or Russia more than the United States.
The bigger concern is not just personal embarrassment; it is national security. When world leaders mistake performance for diplomacy, serious consequences can follow. Bolton’s message is blunt: Xi and Putin are not simply being friendly. They are playing a long game, and Trump may be the one being played.