The Real Challenge Isn't Just Policy—It's Communication

As a global communications and change management expert, I’ve seen one fundamental truth repeatedly:?People can handle difficult change if they understand it.?But resistance is inevitable if leaders fail to communicate the ‘why’ behind their decisions.

We are witnessing some of the most radical economic and geopolitical shifts in decades. Trade policies are being rewritten, military commitments are being reassessed, and financial systems are under extreme pressure. Whether one agrees or disagrees with these changes, one thing is clear: without a clear communication strategy, the response will be chaos.

The Problem: Unexplained Shock Creates Unnecessary Resistance

Governments, businesses, and societies don’t just resist change because it’s painful—they resist because they don’t see the logic behind it. Uncertainty breeds fear, and fear leads to opposition. When leaders act without explaining the rationale, the public, markets, and global allies react not just to the policy itself, but to the lack of clarity surrounding it.

The Case of Trump: A Communication Breakdown?

A prime example is the current U.S. administration under President Trump. His policies—ranging from aggressive debt reduction and tariff impositions to military realignments—are undoubtedly transformative. However, the way they are communicated (or not communicated) is fueling unnecessary resistance.

Yet, if we take a step back and analyze his actions objectively, we see a clear logic behind them. The U.S. faces an unsustainable debt crisis, rising interest payments, and potential economic destabilization if drastic action isn’t taken. Trump's moves—cutting government spending, pressuring allies to contribute more, and reshaping trade policies—may seem chaotic, but they are likely part of a broader strategy to prevent long-term financial collapse. The problem isn’t necessarily what he’s doing, but how he’s conveying it.

Which key elements of effective change communication are missing in Trump's approach?

1. Frame the Challenge Clearly – Trump is making drastic economic moves, but the broader public and international community don’t fully understand the depth of the financial crisis he’s trying to address. Without this framing, his actions appear erratic rather than strategic.
2. Provide a Narrative, Not Just Data – While Trump is vocal about his policies, he lacks a cohesive, structured narrative that ties them together. Instead of fragmented messaging, a clear and consistent story could make these policies more digestible.
3. Use the Right Messengers – Trump is his own primary spokesperson, but his communication style often alienates global allies and markets. Figures like Elon Musk, economists, or diplomatic leaders could be more effective in explaining the long-term benefits of these policies.
4. Show a Path Forward – There is a lack of a well-communicated roadmap. People see the disruption but not the destination, which fuels panic rather than confidence.
5. Address the Global Audience – International leaders and financial markets need more reassurance. Without proper diplomatic and economic explanations, allies and investors are left guessing, which weakens trust and cooperation.

The Solution: Communicating Change Effectively

In major corporate transformations, the same rules apply as they do in global policy shifts. Big changes require big communication. Here’s how any leader managing a large-scale transformation—whether in government or business—should approach it:

• Clarify the Problem – Before taking action, ensure people understand why the change is necessary.
• Create a Narrative – Connect policies into a bigger picture that makes sense to the public and international community.
• Leverage Trusted Voices – Use well-regarded figures to communicate the message effectively.
• Show the Endgame – Outline the long-term plan so people see where the disruption is leading.

Final Thought

Radical change requires radical transparency. If leaders fail to explain the necessity of their actions, resistance will be fierce—not just from political opponents, but from the very people and institutions they need on their side. The world can adjust to disruption, but only if it understands why that disruption is happening.

Trump’s policies may have an internal logic, but without strategic communication, they risk being misunderstood—and resisted unnecessarily.

In times of transformation, communication isn’t secondary—it’s the strategy.