Trump Declares Himself 'President of PEACE' After Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire: Trade Leverage or True Diplomacy?

U.S. President Donald Trump declared himself the “President of PEACE” in a Truth Social post, claiming credit for brokering a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand amid a deadly border conflict. This article explores the context of the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire, Trump’s diplomatic approach, the role of trade leverage, his broader “Peace through Strength” policy, global reactions, and the controversies surrounding his Nobel Peace Prize nominations.

Table of Contents

Background of the Cambodia-Thailand Conflict

The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, centered around areas like the Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom temples, dates back over a century to colonial-era demarcations by France. The conflict reignited in July 2025, escalating into five days of intense fighting that resulted in at least 36 deaths and displaced nearly 300,000 people. Both nations accused each other of initiating the violence, with Cambodia alleging Thai aggression and Thailand claiming self-defense. The clashes, involving modern Thai military hardware and Cambodia’s Soviet-era equipment, threatened to spiral into a broader regional crisis.

Trump’s Diplomatic Intervention

Trump announced on July 27, 2025, via Truth Social that he had engaged in direct talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He leveraged ongoing U.S. trade negotiations with both countries, stating, “We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both Countries, but do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting.” This ultimatum reportedly pressured both leaders to agree to an immediate ceasefire, mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of ASEAN, in Kuala Lumpur on July 28, 2025.

Trump’s strategy involved:

Direct Communication: He held separate calls with both leaders, relaying messages to encourage dialogue.
Trade Leverage: He threatened to halt trade negotiations, a significant incentive given the economic reliance of both nations on U.S. markets.
Public Diplomacy: Trump provided real-time updates on Truth Social, framing his involvement as pivotal and drawing parallels to his earlier mediation between India and Pakistan.

The ceasefire was announced as “immediate and unconditional,” with military commanders scheduled to meet on July 29, 2025, to de-escalate tensions, followed by a border committee meeting on August 4 in Cambodia. However, reports indicated sporadic fighting persisted post-announcement, raising questions about the ceasefire’s immediate effectiveness.

The “President of PEACE” Narrative

Trump’s claim to the title “President of PEACE” stems from his assertion of resolving multiple global conflicts within his first six months of his second term. In his Truth Social post, he stated, “By ending this War, we have saved thousands of lives. I have now ended many Wars in just six months — I am proud to be the President of PEACE!” His administration and supporters highlighted several diplomatic achievements:

India-Pakistan Ceasefire (May 2025): Trump claimed credit for halting a four-day conflict sparked by a terror attack in Kashmir, though India insisted it was a bilateral agreement.
Israel-Iran Ceasefire (June 2025): Trump brokered a truce after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, dubbed the “12 Day War.”
Other Conflicts: He cited roles in ending the Democratic Republic of Congo-Rwanda conflict, preventing Serbia-Kosovo hostilities, and securing the release of 11 American hostages globally.
Gaza Peace Plan: Trump proposed a plan for Gaza, praised by former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman as “brilliant” and “historic.”

These efforts align with Trump’s “Peace through Strength” policy, which combines diplomatic pressure, economic incentives, and military decisiveness to achieve stability. His administration’s actions, such as strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities to prevent weapon development, underscore this approach.

Global Reactions and Support

Trump’s role in the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire received mixed reactions:

Support: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised Trump’s intervention, with Leavitt advocating for a Nobel Peace Prize. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet thanked Trump for his “decisive support.” The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee lauded his mediation efforts, citing his India-Pakistan ceasefire as a precedent.
Skepticism: Critics noted that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim played a significant mediation role, and sporadic fighting post-ceasefire suggested incomplete resolution. Some argued Trump exaggerated his influence, as Thailand initially resisted mediation but relented under trade pressure.

Nobel Peace Prize Nominations and Controversies

Trump’s claim to being the “President of PEACE” has been bolstered by multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations:

Pakistan (June 2025): Pakistan nominated Trump for his role in the India-Pakistan ceasefire, praising his “pivotal leadership.” However, India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, denied third-party mediation, and some Pakistani critics, like former ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, called the nomination “unfortunate,” citing Trump’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza and strikes on Iran.
Israel (July 2025): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Trump for his efforts in the Israel-Iran ceasefire and Gaza negotiations. Critics, including former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, viewed this as a publicity stunt to flatter Trump and prolong Israel’s Gaza offensive.
U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter (June 2025): Carter nominated Trump for the Israel-Iran ceasefire, emphasizing his “extraordinary and historic role.”

However, controversies persist:

Ukraine’s Withdrawal: Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko withdrew his nomination, citing Trump’s failure to deliver on promises to end the Russia-Ukraine war, accusing him of “dodging” sanctions on Russia.
Gaza Criticism: Trump’s support for Israel, including dismissing Palestinian statehood concerns, has drawn ire from those who view his policies as enabling conflict rather than resolving it.
Skepticism of Motives: Trump’s public frustration over not receiving a Nobel Peace Prize, coupled with his claim that “they only give it to liberals,” has fueled perceptions that his peace efforts are partly driven by personal ambition.

Critical Analysis

Trump’s diplomatic approach relies heavily on economic leverage, as seen in his use of trade negotiations to pressure Cambodia and Thailand. This tactic, while effective in securing a ceasefire, raises questions about sustainability, as underlying territorial disputes remain unresolved. His “Peace through Strength” policy, involving military actions like strikes on Iran, contrasts with traditional peacekeeping but aligns with his dealmaker persona. Critics argue that his self-proclaimed title of “President of PEACE” overlooks the complexity of conflicts and the contributions of other mediators, such as Malaysia in the Cambodia-Thailand case.

Furthermore, Trump’s Nobel nominations are polarizing. Supporters view them as recognition of his unconventional but effective diplomacy, while detractors see them as politically motivated gestures that ignore his role in escalating tensions elsewhere, such as Gaza and Ukraine. The persistence of fighting post-ceasefire in Cambodia-Thailand underscores the challenges of achieving lasting peace through high-pressure tactics.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s claim to be the “President of PEACE” reflects his assertive diplomatic style, leveraging U.S. economic and military power to broker ceasefires, as seen in the Cambodia-Thailand conflict of July 2025. While his intervention facilitated a temporary truce, saving lives and enabling trade negotiations to resume, the ceasefire’s fragility and ongoing regional tensions highlight the limitations of his approach. His broader peace efforts, from India-Pakistan to Israel-Iran, have earned him accolades and Nobel nominations but also sparked skepticism and criticism. As Trump continues to shape his legacy, the balance between his “Peace through Strength” policy and the complexities of global conflicts will define the durability of his “President of PEACE” moniker.

Sources

Fox News, “Trump announces Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire deal brokered through trade,” July 28, 2025.
Times of India, “Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire: Donald Trump takes credit; declares himself ‘president of peace’,” July 28, 2025.
The Economic Times, “Trump credits his involvement for Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire, says ‘proud to be President of Peace’,” July 29, 2025.
The Guardian, “Pakistan debates Trump Nobel peace prize nomination after US strikes on Iran,” June 25, 2025.
Reuters, “Can US President Donald Trump win the Nobel Peace Prize?” July 9, 2025.

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