Trump, Vance Debased U.S. Diplomacy - the World Noticed

[Canuck Conservative]

by Faisal Kutty
Newsweek (Mar. 3, 2025)
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-vance-debased-us-diplomacy-world-noticed-opinion-2038817

For the world to witness such a spectacle in the Oval Office was deeply unsettling. Whether one supports Ukraine or not, what transpired was beyond standard diplomatic practice. The so-called leader of the free world openly reinforced Vladimir Putin's narrative while treating an allied wartime leader with public derision.

The United States has maintained a consistent, largely bipartisan stance in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Trump and Vance, however, treated this support as transactional, suggesting that America's backing could be rewritten at will, dismissing years of carefully crafted international policy.

Trump also made it clear that he places more trust in Vladimir Putin than in the concerns of U.S. allies. His assertion that Zelensky's "hatred" toward Putin was an obstacle to peace ignores the reality of Russia's continued violations of international agreements. This stance further isolates the U.S. from European leaders who have repeatedly emphasized the dangers of appeasing Moscow.

Perhaps most troubling was the language Trump and Vance used, framing the war as though it were a business transaction. The assertions that "we are trying to do business" and that Ukraine had "no cards to play" suggest a disregard for the human toll of war. While pragmatism in foreign affairs is necessary, reducing the survival of a sovereign nation to a game of leverage risks trivializing the stakes at hand.

Throughout the meeting, Trump and Vance blurred the line between personal resentments and national policy. Trump brought up Zelensky's past meetings with previous U.S. administrations, making dismissive remarks about Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Meanwhile, Vance criticized Zelensky's political outreach in Pennsylvania, framing it as a personal slight rather than a legitimate diplomatic effort....

While Trump and Vance engaged in theatrics, Ukraine's allies in Europe reaffirmed their commitment to Zelensky. Poland, Spain, and Lithuania quickly responded to bolster Ukraine's position. Germany's likely next chancellor stated bluntly: "We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war." The contrast between U.S. and European leadership in this moment was stark. The U.K., France, and Canada also came to Ukraine's defense.

The optics of the meeting aligned so well with Russian propaganda that the Kremlin barely needed to respond. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev gloated on social media, calling Zelensky "an insolent pig" who was finally put in his place. The damage done to U.S. credibility is hard to ignore....

These comments raise deeper concerns about how the current administration's foreign policy decisions are shaped. When personal grudges take precedence over strategic interests, they threaten to undermine America's credibility on the global stage.

[Canuck Conservative]

For someone who chides Zelenskiyy for having "personal hatred towards Putin", Trump sure seems to have a lot of personal hatred himself towards Ukraine still, and he doesn't seem to be able to get beyond it. Does he blame Ukraine for the impeachment?

Last Friday was embarrassing, Trump looked more like a petty and insecure mob boss (with Vance as his enforcer), rather than the confident leader of the World's most powerful country. Trump isn't looking like a master negotiator, but rather some vindictive street thug out to even things up.

Treating allies like crap, while pandering to monstrous dictators - it's almost like the WH is doing everything it can to make DT look like the opposite of the great Ronald Reagan! Reagan is still loved and respected around the World - but Trump is, sadly, creating the opposite legacy.

Nobody remembers Tony Soprano as a "great negotiator" ... does Donald Trump want to act like the President of the US, or the boss of a street crew?

[Right_in_Virginia]

Treating allies like crap, while pandering to monstrous dictators

The Europeans have been treating the US like crap since the Marshall Plan and NATO set them up for life. We pay their unreciprocated tariffs to support their economies,, we pay their security bills, and supply their nonsensical wars with weapons ---- while they trade with and support the very monstrous dictator they insist we must fight.

It's time to cut the European inbreds loose. 

[Right_in_Virginia]

For someone who chides Zelenskiyy for having "personal hatred towards Putin", Trump sure seems to have a lot of personal hatred himself towards Ukraine still, and he doesn't seem to be able to get beyond it. Does he blame Ukraine for the impeachment?

Pro tip:  Remove the TDS plank from your own eyes so you can see the stupidity of your talking point.

[DCPatriot]

GD NeverTrumpers are like roaches around here  

[Canuck Conservative]

GD NeverTrumpers are like roaches around here

MAGA is turning into a cult of personality, just like Stalin and Mao had

No criticism of Trump will be permitted!

[verga]

MAGA is turning into a cult of personality, just like Stalin and Mao had

No criticism of Trump will be permitted!

Honest Criticism, sure, but not the Butt hurt crap you are trying to pander.

[libertybele]

MAGA is turning into a cult of personality, just like Stalin and Mao had

No criticism of Trump will be permitted!

Criticism isn't due.  Quite the opposite.  God Bless Donald J. Trump.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Honest Criticism, sure, but not the Butt hurt crap you are trying to pander.

You took the words right off my keyboard!   

[Canuck Conservative]

Criticism isn't due.  Quite the opposite.

That's exactly what I'm talking about! Take the MAGA blinders off.

Look, I supported Trump in 2016, I thought US politics did need a disruptor

And DT had the whole World backing him when he first came in in January - everybody was fed up with open borders, gov't. waste, and men in women's sports ... every country should be implementing those common-sense policies!!

But Trump isn't perfect ... for someone who claims to be a "great builder", he done a whole lot of destroying since getting back in office ... destroying relationships with long-time allies, destroying NATO, and perhaps most subtly, destroying America's brand abroad with its "F everybody, we don't need you" attitude

At this rate, Trump will give the House back to the Democrats in 2 years ... and that means a 3rd Impeachment ...

"self-created mess"

[catfish1957]

The one good thing about nowadays, is 95% of most folks, read the source before the article.

Newsweak is up there in the "everything they write  is bile" category.  If you bother gather all the facts from Vance, Rubio, and few other players,  there is full realization that what Z-Grift tried to pull off Friday was analogous to a Media Ambush/ Hit Piece. 

If anything, Newsweek needs to be tagged with "debasing" journalistic standards.

[Canuck Conservative]

If you bother gather all the facts from Vance, Rubio, and few other players

Remember how we used to mock the Democrats' "left-wing echo chamber", that refused to listen to any outside criticism?

[libertybele]

That's exactly what I'm talking about! Take the MAGA blinders off.

Look, I supported Trump in 2016, I thought US politics did need a disruptor

And DT had the whole World backing him when he first came in in January - everybody was fed up with open borders, gov't. waste, and men in women's sports ... every country should be implementing those common-sense policies!!

But Trump isn't perfect ... for someone who claims to be a "great builder", he done a whole lot of destroying since getting back in office ... destroying relationships with long-time allies, destroying NATO, and perhaps most subtly, destroying America's brand abroad with its "F everybody, we don't need you" attitude

At this rate, Trump will give the House back to the Democrats in 2 years ... and that means a 3rd Impeachment ...

"self-created mess"

Z has proven several times he cannot be trusted.  He is quite an embarrasment for Ukraine.  Trump would be wise to never let him step foot again in the WH.  Hopefully the people of Ukraine will swiftly replace their problematic grifter.

Trump needs to get us out of NATO!!

[DCPatriot]

The one good thing about nowadays, is 95% of most folks, read the source before the article.

Newsweak is up there in the "everything they write  is bile" category.  If you bother gather all the facts from Vance, Rubio, and few other players,  there is full realization that what Z-Grift tried to pull off Friday was analogous to a Media Ambush/ Hit Piece. 

If anything, Newsweek needs to be tagged with "debasing" journalistic standards.

Thank you @catfish1957

Sat down ready to take my first sip of coffee...noticed "Newsweek" and I lost it!!   

[Wingnut]

Honest Criticism, sure, but not the Butt hurt crap you are trying to pander.

Spot on.  Great post.

[DCPatriot]

Faisal Kutty
Canadian journalist, lawyer, law professor, activist
themuslimlawyer.com
Faisal Kutty is a lawyer, academic, writer, public speaker and human rights activist. Wikipedia

[catfish1957]

That's exactly what I'm talking about! Take the MAGA blinders off.

WTF?

Ask @DCPatriot or @Right_in_Virginia ....  I don't think they believe I am in the MAGA category.  But I do try to have some level of objectivity, and I can see that the F'ing over of America has been so institutionalized for so long, we have become an international joke.  That pendulum has swung the other direction with POTUS help.    So, if it means to crack a few eggs, and dispose (hopefully with Z) of a few literal bad actors?  I am all for restoring sanity, equity, and fairness  among the nations.  Don't forget....our socialist dims, and their lackey MSM are in lock step focus  with the WEF, and they will kill themselves to keep that agenda on track,

DJT has my 100% support for that, as should everyone Right and Center in the poliical spectra

[libertybele]

WTF?

Ask @DCPatriot or @Right_in_Virginia ....  I don't they believe they think I am in the MAGA category.  But I do try to have some level of objectivity, and I can see that the F'ing over of America has been so institutionalized for so long, we have become an international joke.  That pendulum has swung the other direction with POTUS help.    So, if it means to crack a few eggs, and dispose (hopefully with Z) of a few literal bad actors?  I am all for restoring sanity, equity, and fairness  among the nations.  Don't forget....our socialist dims, and their lackey MSM are in lock step focus  with the WEF, and they will kill themselves to keep that agenda on track,

DJT has my 100% support for that, as should everyone Right and Center in the poliical spectra

Amen!!   

[catfish1957]

Remember how we used to mock the Democrats' "left-wing echo chamber", that refused to listen to any outside criticism?

See my last post?  I am hardly what you would call MAGA.  I am an ultra ultra ultra right wing conservative, almost activist.  I have no trouble saying when I think Trump is wrong.  i've done that 100's of times here the past 9 years.   But lately?  There hasn't been much to bitch about.

[Mod2]

Please post opinion pieces in the appropriate category.
Moved.

[catfish1957]

Faisal Kutty
Canadian journalist, lawyer, law professor, activist
themuslimlawyer.com
Faisal Kutty is a lawyer, academic, writer, public speaker and human rights activist. Wikipedia

Reading further

Kutty is appears to be  Muzzie danger.  He seems to implore that Sharia law be implemented at will.   The fact that such a supposed Main Stream rag like Newsweak will allow this level of muzzie spew, is just more proof that 9-11  just as well have been a 100 years ago.

[Canuck Conservative]

Attacking the source, rather than trying to refute the points made

Sure sounds like an echo-chamber to me

[catfish1957]

Attacking the source, rather than trying to refute the points made

Sure sounds like an echo-chamber to me

Did you even read this entire  thread?  The author is pro-sharia law Muzzie working for an ultra  left wing rag, trying their damned best to smear the present administration.  If the source needed attacking, it was highly warranted. The MSM lies to us non stop.

If you want to endorse or perpetuate POV's like that, that's your business.  But doing that kind of brings some concern of why your screen name has conservative in it.

[Canuck Conservative]

The main point was, Trump seems to be controlled by past personal grudges

Treat Ukraine badly, because of the first impeachment

Didn't like Trudeau, so put tariffs on Canada

Macron gave him that handshake years ago, so he had to do the same

Always this obsession with getting even with his perceived "enemies", and now using US policy to carry it out ... Reagan never did that!

It makes Trump look really petty and insecure ... maybe you can't see it in the US, but the World does see it, and it's pretty ugly, j/s

"The opposite of Ronald Reagan"   

[cato potatoe]

The consensus opinion about Zelensky is wrong.  He wants to drag larger powers into a direct conflict with Russia, because that is the only way eastern Ukraine is going to be returned.  The risk of nuclear war outweighs the emotional reward of watching Putin lose.  Ukraine will be a dump either way. 

Trump is no Reagan and he never will be.  It’s worth remembering however that western Europeans were scared of Reagan, and many in the east were skeptics also.  We have to be forthright with the euros.

[deb]

It makes Trump look really petty and insecure ... maybe you can't see it in the US, but the World does see it, and it's pretty ugly, j/s

You should know, many of us don’t give a flying fig what “the World” thinks.

[catfish1957]

It makes Trump look really petty and insecure ... maybe you can't see it in the US, but the World does see it, and it's pretty ugly, j/s

and calling the VPOTUS a bitch in his language isn't more petty and insecure?  At least be an equal opportunity accuser.

[cato potatoe]

Didn't like Trudeau, so put tariffs on Canada

He doesn’t like Trudeau but genuinely believes in tariffs as a way to bring jobs home.  He should have waited for the parliament to change hands and address any concerns about the trade deal in 2026, when the joint review is scheduled. 

[DCPatriot]

The main point was, Trump seems to be controlled by past personal grudges

Treat Ukraine badly, because of the first impeachment

Didn't like Trudeau, so put tariffs on Canada

Macron gave him that handshake years ago, so he had to do the same

Always this obsession with getting even with his perceived "enemies", and now using US policy to carry it out ... Reagan never did that!

It makes Trump look really petty and insecure ... maybe you can't see it in the US, but the World does see it, and it's pretty ugly, j/s

"The opposite of Ronald Reagan"  

Social media didn't exist during Ronald Reagan's administrations.

It's a different world today.

Just as wars are no longer fought with Zero's, Hellcats and Spitfires.

[catfish1957]

The main point was, Trump seems to be controlled by past personal grudges

I've been a political junky since the '60's.  I was the 10 year old kid watching WFB.  So believe  me, when I say that personal political grudges are not a new concept.  It is just Trump is the most transparent and genuine person at it since I've watched.  It's actually refreshing, and fosters a atmosphere of trust.

Example?:  Nixon was famous for his enemies list. But he wasn't the only one. ....LBJ was even more ruthless towards his political enemies , and they all did it for that matter.  Just a whole lot more stealthly.

[Right_in_Virginia]

You should know, many of us don’t give a flying fig what “the World” thinks.

 

[Wingnut]

You should know, many of us don’t give a flying fig what “the World” thinks.

It is a feature, not a bug for us!

[Smokin Joe]

MAGA is turning into a cult of personality, just like Stalin and Mao had

No criticism of Trump will be permitted!

Let me put it this way.

What other American President would put up with being disrespected in his own office, on TV?

Z was there to sign a deal that had an implied security arrangement in that there would have been "American Interests" in the Ukraine. That effing simple.

Instead of saying thank you and proceeding with the deal, he started making demands, above and beyond that deal, virtually demanding American boots on the ground--something to which Trump has been vocally opposed. That kind of stuff is supposed to be settled beforehand, in more private circumstances, but to put the President of the United States on the spot that way on television, I am surprised he left the building under his own power.

Were I POTUS, I might have ordered him bodily evicted.

Zelensky shit in his mess kit, publicly, thinking somehow (likely under advisement from the Democrats he met with) that he could put Trump on the spot and Trump would cave.

Trump did not.

(Apparently, Zelensky just doesn't have the dirt to extort Trump or the ability to bribe him, unlike all the supposed sycophants out there who were/are making bank from the last administration--and who need to be cleaned out for their perfidy.)

It is nice to see we have a President who has enough respect for America, our People (who pay the bills), and the Office of the President to respond to that bullshit appropriately. While we are on the subject, J.D. Vance went up a couple of notches in my estimation as well.

Putin has bugger all to do with what went on in that exchange, that was Zelensky's doing (and his 'advisors').

[jafo2010]

What happened in the Oval Office last week was completely on the shoulders of a whiny puke who does not know how to treat the hand that feeds him.

Trump if you have not noticed, is NOT tolerating bullsh*t this term.  Zelensky's stomping of his foot was met with a swift spanking on his posterior[figuratively speaking, and well deserved].  I am sure European leaders took great delight in it.  Zelensky is the single greatest threat to the peace process.

He may well be the catalyst that sends the USA scurrying out of NATO.  Frankly, I have had my fill with European nations that have not contributed their agreed to share to the defense of Europe through NATO, which includes about half the nations, worst being the richest, Germany.

I suspect Putin wants an honorable way out of this war.  He started a fight he cannot finish, unless he resorts to using nuclear weapons or other WMD weapons.  He wants an honorable out to save face with his own people.  What Zelensky wants is unrealistic.  He will never win the war against Russia, NEVER!!!  He will not get to restore ALL the seized land by Russia into his nation.  Not going to happen.  Trump knows it, sadly, Zelensky is clueless.

When this started, Russia may have thought they could roll on other nations, but that thought has dissipated, like steam.  They no longer have a viable ground fighting military, and it will take 5-10 years for Russia to rebuild.  And even then, there are clearly problems with the Russian system for their military.  Too damn much corruption.

And if any of you have ever been there, everything LITERALLY is corrupt in Russia.  Everything!!!!!!!!!!

Henceforth, I think Trump should announce that any nation that has not funded their share of NATO is NOT a possible recipient of Article 5.  Meaning there are no protections for the nations that fail to fund their share of NATO.  And I think it is time the USA reduce their share to an amount no greater than 10%.  We keep our finger involved just enough to have a voice.