It took the President of the United States just 39 days and a 45-minute meeting to complete the fall of the United States from being the beacon of democratic ideals. Trump’s iniquity has achieved what he so dearly wanted, and now he has bounced the country off the sidewalk into the sewer in his drive to be an authoritarian leader, joining the likes of Putin, Xi, Pezeshkian, and Kim.
Zelenskyy Ambushed
The President of the United States invites the President of Ukraine to Washington, DC, for a bilateral one-on-one, and then 40 minutes into the frank and candid discussion, the Vice President of the United States looks at his watch, and the ambush begins.
In their attempt to bully Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vance teed up the insult and affront, and Trump, acting like a “tough guy,” engaged. They were demanding more “thanks” from Zelenskyy—more appreciation—more bowing down. Space is given, and the statesman, Zelenskyy, asks for a reset (which is normal when discussions get heated in diplomatic settings), and in typical Trump style, Trump cancels the luncheon and sends Zelenskyy out of the White House.
In those handful of minutes, Trump and Vance acted like a tag team of fake wrestlers of the 1950’s in their attempt to subjugate and humiliate their visitor. It stunned our nation, it stunned Ukraine, and it stunned the world. The only locale where it was warmly embraced is Russia.
Europe unites
After the air returned to their lungs, leaders around the world assured Ukraine the country had their support, something the United States President and Vice President failed to share; indeed, they threatened removal. The White House is spinning the story, and are attempting to reframe what occurred as disrespect by President Zelenskyy, when they themselves ambushed the leader of Ukraine.
Senator Adam Schiff posted on X, a compendium of these leaders who had used the X platform to send their message, each where thanked.
Zelenskyy’s thanks (again)
In a show of statesmanship, Zelenskyy did in fact reiterate his sincere thanks to the United States, President Trump, the Congress, and the people of our fair land.
What to do?
First you call your congressional representative and senator offices and tell them what you think, give them suggestions on what to do, and thank them for their time. Let them know what you think. Use your voice. The calls I made yesterday were full of shame.
Call the Embassy of the Ukraine and share words of encouragement and help the Ukrainian people know that the leadership of the country does not speak for you.
Use your social networks to counter program the spin. “Zelenskyy brought it upon himself; he wore a sweater to the White House” is among the most lame. Zelenskyy put his suits away on in February 2022 when Russia executed a full invasion of Ukraine, telling all that he will put it back on when peace returns to Ukraine. Trump’s bot-like army of sycophants can’t do basic homework.
