Trump 2.0: How US allies are preparing for a possible second term

Leaders, former leaders and diplomats meet TrumpSaudi Arabia's crown prince called him, source says

Former president Donald Trump (Curtis Means/DailyMail.com via AP)

Alexander Ratz, Diego Oré and Gram Slattery

Germany is waging a charm offensive inside the Republican Party. Japan is lining up its own Trump whisperer. Mexican government officials are talking to Camp Trump. And Australia is busy making laws to help Trump-proof its U.S. defence ties.

Everywhere, U.S. allies are taking steps to defend or advance their interests in the event former President Donald Trump returns to power in November elections, an even chance based on recent opinion polls in swing states.