There’s a new sheriff in town

Donald Trump’s unorthodox style dominated the headlines yet again. The incoming commander-in-chief had conversations with numerous foreign leaders without the “guidance” of State Department officials, including speaking with the Taiwanese leader, something that hadn’t occurred since 1979, and which set off a firestorm of protest from China.

Given the implications of such moves, which sent tremors across the world’s diplomatic corps and generated a backlash from many editorial boards and foreign policy “experts,” it’s impossible not to address Trump’s bold style, and what it portends for the future.

Like him or not, it’s hard not to have at least a begrudging admiration for how Trump is breaking long-held protocols that, more often than not, placed other nation’s interests ahead of America’s. In doing so, he is addressing many white elephants in a direct, nononsense way. Whether his policies achieve the desired results remains to be seen. But it is a breath of fresh air to see a leader tackle issues that, up to this point, were only whispered in hallowed foreign service circles.

There will be a time and place for State Department experts, but now isn’t it. Instead, this is where Trump, with cordiality yet resolute firmness, is issuing his proclamation that there’s a new sheriff in town, and the rules have changed.

In setting the tone early, the president-elect is establishing a different set of priorities than those of both his Democratic and Republican predecessors. That’s his prerogative. The fact that so many “insiders” are upset that the apple cart has been overturned shows that they are far more concerned about their own little world changing than what’s best for the country. If everyone is doing their job, the only self-interest in play should be America’s.

Many diplomats are fretting because Trump is choosing to talk with both China and Taiwan, to both India and Pakistan, and to the controversial president of the Philippines. In doing so, their thinking goes, the president-elect is jeopardizing the delicate nuances so “painstakingly” put in place to maintain fragile relationships and ensure no gets “offended.”

Here’s a piece of advice. Grow up, and get over yourselves.

So the Chinese president is upset that Trump took a call from Taiwan. Great. Knock yourself out by whining and lodging complaints. And if that’s not ridiculous enough — all this consternation, by the way, over a simple congratulatory call — the Obama administration plays right into the hype by “seeking to reassure China.” Reassure them of what? That it sides with them in deciding to whom the incoming president of the United States should, and should not, talk? And that it commiserates with them that “sacred diplomatic protocols” were breached?

High in their ivory tow- ers, the diplomatic critics justify their existence by pretending that everything they do is a masterfully orchestrated chess game, each move a calculated decision, with the security of the world in the balance.

That’s not to say what many do in the foreign service isn’t important, but let’s be honest: There’s far too much tip-toeing through secret back channels so as not to “offend,” instead of having direct communications. It’s time we cut the bull, trim the fat, and engage in respectful but frank conversations so that there’s no misconstruing America’s position. As the world’s most powerful nation – also the most benevolent one – the U.S. needs to reassert itself on the world stage accordingly. Donald Trump appears be doing that.

3) A large reason for Trump’s victory was because he promised to upend the status quo at home and abroad. And for good reason.

Things aren’t fine. We are still bogged down in the Middle Eastern quagmire where victory can never — never — be achieved through American boots on the ground. While making progress, we still aren’t close to becoming energy independent, which therefore mandates we remain in the Middle East. We have trade policies that are not in America’s interest, especially with China.

Bottom line: Business as usual must end, because the status quo is what got us into this situation in the first place.