Opinions expressed in editorials on The Central Trend are the view of the individual writer and are not the opinion of the entire staff of The Central Trend or the Forest Hills Central staff or administration.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump’s first day in office, there have been controversies, disputed decisions, and questionable judgments surrounding his leadership. Among these controversies are his tariffs placed on China, Canada, and Mexico—as well as the immediate turnaround on the tariffs—which has caused much pushback along with hesitation regarding future decisions.
The most recent of the disputes is his meeting with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the supposed disrespectful attitude Trump had towards the Ukrainian head of state.
The goal of the meeting, held in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 28, was to communicate possible trade opportunities regarding Ukraine’s minerals and, more importantly, to discuss a plan of action for Russia’s recent increase in attacks on Ukraine. According to NBC News, Trump will not settle for just a mineral trade deal. While he is interested in that, he also desires a “change in…attitude towards peace talks” with Russia. Some of Trump’s officials offered insight, saying he would like to see Ukraine consider ceding territory to Russia.
This meeting, to say the least, was disastrous. Ukraine has been struggling for years to defend itself against Russia, but especially since the Russian invasion in 2022. The U.S. has given Ukraine around $65.9 billion to date in aid for their ongoing defense of the Ukraine and Russian border. This number doesn’t even include the weapons and other non-monetary aid that the U.S. has provided. If Trump were to stop or slow funding, Ukraine would be in an even more desperate situation than they currently are in.
The U.S. Department of State itself says that the 2022 invasion was “premeditated, unprovoked, and brutal.” As a wealthy, affluent country, we have a responsibility to help nations in need, especially when it comes to a threat against democracy, which is exactly what Russia has done in continuing to pursue its Ukrainian invasion.
When it comes to simple kindness and respect, the alliance fell apart. Many Instagram and TikTok users have commented on the fact that English is not Zelenskyy’s first language, that he was coming to the U.S. for help, and that the way Trump was speaking to him was belittling and not befitting of a world leader.
Before the meeting even technically started, Trump ridiculed Zelenskyy in regards to his outfit. The Ukrainian president chose not to wear a traditional suit but was still wearing formal clothing fitting for the occasion. Nonetheless, Trump felt the need to comment on it. Keep in mind that Trump accepted a member of his own government, Elon Musk, to come into the Oval Office for an official meeting in a baseball cap and a graphic tee without a word.
The United States President continued his behavior. He cut Zelenskyy off numerous times, prevented him from getting a word in, raised his voice at him, and generally showed very little respect to a man whom he’s supposed to have an alliance with. United States Vice President JD Vance even scolded Zelenskyy for not showing the humility Vance thought was necessary. “You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict,” Vance said. As far as Zelenskyy is concerned, they are meant to be allies. Why would he need to thank a country for the bare minimum of staying true to an agreement?
In watching and hearing the comments made between the two world leaders, I was honestly embarrassed to think that this man—who seems to think that if he yells loud enough, he will be smarter than everyone else—is ruling the country I live in. The utter lack of composure Trump displayed was not becoming of any world leader, let alone the United States, one of the most successful countries on the globe.
Needless to say, this meeting was unsuccessful not only because they didn’t succeed in signing the minerals deal that caused Zelenskyy’s visit in the first place but also because there was an undeniable breakdown in diplomacy. Only time will tell if this now tenuous alliance can be repaired.
