
Definitely not the case that all USians are following the current mad prez…
Heck, Canada remains a favourite for many from the US still, see https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/03/12/donald-trump-transphobia-us-family-seeking-asylum/ (and good luck to them!)
I think the answer to 1 is that he doesn’t, so it’s just a good excuse to avoid getting pushed into a situation related to 2. In other words, the POV is likely, “there isn’t any point in bilateral talks, but let’s say we’ll do it if he shuts up about that thing that he can’t stop talking about” - it’s just a way to pin the blame for a lack of talks down South.