Regardless of a country’s relationship with official Washington, the start of President Trump’s second term is a reminder of some tried-and-true ways to strengthen corporate and diplomatic ties in the U.S., and they all go beyond Pennsylvania Avenue.

After the 2016 election, some governments entered a months-long diplomatic hibernation. That pause proved costly, delaying agenda-setting action right when it is most critical at the start of an administration. There’s no time for hesitation in 2025. Countries and companies aiming to deepen ties with the U.S. during Trump 2.0 ought to be building relationships now.

Having worked with leaders on every continent over the past decade to build U.S.-international connections, trusted relationships and collaborations around shared values, we’ve seen that those who engage early, consistently and across all levels of government lay the groundwork for the strongest relationships.

Building up relations with governors and mayors is not just complementary to traditional diplomacy — they’re essential to modernizing global relations and shaping effective policies.

The European Union offers a compelling model for this approach from Trump 1.0. In 2016, ahead of the election, the EU launched a $3 million public diplomacy initiative across the U.S., engaging American audiences on issues from trade and technology to energy and human rights.

They met with mayors, governors, state legislators and business leaders — educating new communities and galvanizing local champions to advocate for transatlantic ties. This grassroots strategy didn’t replace high-level diplomacy — it strengthened it.

American cities are gateways to diplomacy. Whether hosting sister city exchanges, welcoming visitors for next year’s FIFA World Cup or building business partnerships, cities provide an ideal platform for cultivating international ties.

As embassies and business leaders plan their 2025 U.S. engagements and corporate affairs strategies, they should take a cue from the adage: all politics is local. The same holds true for diplomacy. The strongest international relationships start locally, through partnerships that transcend borders. Leaders who act now won’t just strengthen their ties with the U.S. — they’ll build a foundation for economic stability and shared prosperity.

Contact Neil Simon or anyone on the Government & Regulatory Affairs team for help today on how to prioritize which states and government agencies to engage with this quarter and get in front of the most dynamic issues affecting your organization in 2025.