Trump’s Pakistan U-Turn: From ‘lies & deceit’ to White House lunch for army chief Asim Munir

From slamming Pakistan as a haven for terrorists to hosting its army chief for lunch at the White House, Donald Trump’s about-turn on Islamabad is as swift as it is strategic.

Just a few years ago, Trump had publicly blasted Pakistan, accusing it of “lies and deceit” and suspending military aid. But this week, he rolled out the red carpet for Field Marshal Asim Munir — Pakistan’s powerful army chief — in what is being seen as a major diplomatic reset.

Once relegated to second-tier status — with former PM Imran Khan infamously riding an airport shuttle on arrival in the US — Pakistan is suddenly back in Washington’s good books. Munir’s five-day tour includes rare high-level meetings at the Pentagon, State Department, and US Central Command. Most significantly, a private lunch at the White House hosted by Trump himself — access normally reserved for heads of state.

From ‘no more’ to ‘I love Pakistan’

Trump’s shift in tone is impossible to miss. “I love Pakistan,” he told reporters ahead of his meeting with Munir, going so far as to credit him for his role in de escalating  India-Pakistan conflict. He even repeated his claim that he “stopped the war” — a remark that sparked an immediate and sharp rebuttal from New Delhi.

In a phone call with Trump just a day before the Munir meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly rejected any third-party mediation. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that hostilities ended after Pakistan requested a ceasefire — not due to Trump’s involvement. “India has not accepted mediation in the past and never will,” Misri said.

Yet, Trump’s praise for Munir continued. Describing him as “extremely influential,” he lauded Pakistan’s role in counter-terrorism and even backed the general’s suggestion that Trump be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the war — a move widely seen as flattery tailored to appeal to Trump’s ego.

What changed? Several things

For one, Pakistan has recently stepped up intelligence cooperation with the US — including reportedly handing over high-profile terrorists like ISIS-K planner Sharifullah, long believed to be in ISI custody. Trump publicly credited Pakistan for this recent capture, using it to frame the country as a renewed counter-terrorism ally.

Then there’s crypto. Just days before India launched Operation Sindoor in Pahalgam after a deadly terror attack, Pakistan signed a crypto deal with US-based World Liberty Financial — a company reportedly linked to Trump’s sons, Donald Jr. and Eric. During his lunch with Munir, sources confirmed Trump brought up cryptocurrency — a domain he has taken a personal interest in.

Additionally, Pakistan is actively pitching itself as a player in critical minerals — a sector Trump has prioritised for economic and security reasons. The engagement, analysts say, reflects Trump’s classic “dealmaker” mindset: short-term gains over long-term alignment.

India watches warily as Washington cosies up to Islamabad

Trump’s pivot is causing visible discomfort in India, which has long considered itself the more reliable US partner — a democratic counterweight to China, a defence ally, and a tech-trade powerhouse. Pakistan, by contrast, has struggled to shake off its association with militancy and military rule.

Delhi’s concerns are not just symbolic. With sensitive trade talks underway and regional tensions high, Trump’s public embrace of Pakistan’s military establishment risks alienating a critical partner.

Behind the scenes, however, US officials may also be eyeing Pakistan’s unique position amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions. With diplomatic links to Tehran and a 900-km shared border with Iran, Islamabad could potentially play an intermediary role. Trump himself hinted at this, telling reporters Munir “knows Iran very well” and “agreed with me” on the need for de-escalation.