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February 28, 2025
US President Donald Trump met today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ceasefire and mineral agreements with his embattled European counterpart. The discussion, conducted before the press corps, started with cordial remarks from both sides but soured after US Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of attempting to “litigate this in front of the American media.” Trump immediately shifted his tone as well, asserting that the Ukrainian leader was “gambling with the lives of millions of people.” Zelenskyy responded defensively, reiterating his call for American support and the necessity of future US security guarantees for his country. The two sides continued bickering over the reliability of Putin’s ceasefire agreements and whether or not Putin will resume his invasion after his forces have had time to recuperate from his losses. At one point, Trump contended that Zelenskyy harbored immense “hatred [sic]” for Putin and is therefore unready for a peace deal whilst relentlessly complaining out loud about Ukraine’s lack of appreciation. Trump administration officials later asked the Ukrainian delegation to leave the White House and the minerals deal, which Trump had earlier emphasized was the key to ending the war, was called off.
Trump’s actions mark a dangerous shift in US foreign policy which may have lasting implications not only in the context of Ukraine but also throughout the rest of the world. To turn our back on our European allies and publicly discredit their wishes while cozying up to foreign dictators is nothing new to the Trump era, but unacceptable. It reaffirms the eerie history-transcending theme of America turning a blind eye to conflagrations in Europe until its regional partners are on the brink of collapse. It sends the message that America does not have the vision to see past short-term conveniences to long-term goals. It highlights our inability to let politics stop at the shore. It underlines our willingness to project our internal economic struggles onto the world stage.
Democracy fails when its leaders begin valuing financial gain rather than adhering to certain immutable principles. As a businessman who spent his career surrounded by obedient lapdogs from his inherited company, Trump has seldom worked with anyone who wasn’t a yes-man. When Trump demanded something, he expected it to be done without delay, all the while being praised by his underlings for his leadership and brilliance. Politics, especially foreign policy, is an about-face of the more comfortable business environments to which Trump is accustomed. In international diplomacy, foreign leaders are uniquely concerned with the welfare of the people, and doing so requires close collaboration and alliances curated through decades of communication and agreements, even if they are not the most economically optimal. Trump treats the government as a business: an organization that must maximize profits and minimize costs. While this mindset has worked wonders for his real estate business and may indeed suffice to improve the American economy minimally, the partnerships destroyed far outweigh any benefits procured. For America to thrive in the twenty-first century, we must command a degree of respect from our allies, and while there is no set formula for developing a relationship, alienating them is not the best course of action. Trump must reconsider his actions and introduce new voices to his inner circle, for the menacing threats to America come from within.
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