
Global policymakers should avoid rushing to react to new policies from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and instead focus on presenting their case clearly, World Bank President Ajay Banga said on Monday.
Speaking during the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania’s commercial hub, Banga urged patience as governments navigate the rapid changes introduced during Trump’s first week in office. These include proposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, as well as a review of all U.S. foreign assistance programs.
“My advice to everyone is: don’t be in too much of a hurry to respond or judge,” Banga told Reuters in an interview. “Let’s wait to see what policies are actually implemented.”
A Pragmatic Approach
Banga, who has interacted with Trump in the past, described the president as a pragmatic decision-maker who understands data, leverage, and negotiations.
“You have to go to him and explain what you bring to the table,” Banga said, suggesting that constructive engagement might temper some of Trump’s more contentious proposals.
U.S.-Colombia Trade Dispute Defused
The president’s early days have been marked by sweeping executive actions and the near-escalation of a trade conflict with Colombia. Over the weekend, the White House announced an agreement with Bogotá allowing U.S. military aircraft to transport deported migrants back to Colombia. This deal averted harsh measures that would have included steep tariffs on Colombian imports and travel restrictions on Colombian officials.
Banga noted that potential U.S. travel restrictions could impact the World Bank, particularly if visas for its staff are affected. “If their visas don’t work, that’s a problem,” he said.
Foreign Assistance in Focus
The World Bank’s operations remain largely unaffected by a “stop-work” order issued by the U.S. State Department on existing and future foreign assistance. Banga explained that the institution operates differently from bilateral aid programs and has not yet been impacted by the policy shift.
Office Mandates
Addressing internal operations, Banga stated there are no plans to increase the current mandate requiring World Bank employees to work in-office four days per week.
“I expect World Bank employees to be back four days a week,” Banga said. “There’s no plan to increase that to five.”
Trump has already directed federal workers to return to the office five days a week, underscoring his administration’s emphasis on a full return to pre-pandemic workplace norms.
As global leaders and institutions adapt to the Trump administration’s policies, Banga’s measured approach underscores the importance of strategy and dialogue in addressing the challenges ahead.