
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a recent commentary, I expressed my hope that President Trump was sidling up to Putin as a negotiating tactic – a fake to the left before returning to a moderate position regarding a peace deal to end the Ukraine war. ; Based on Trump’s more recent statements, I fear my hope was misplaced.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I have long separated Trump personality from Trump policy. His approach to Ukraine represents a double fault, however. His pro-Putin policy is beyond wrong. It is tragic.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And now Trump’s worse personality traits have emerged – an abundance of pugnacity and mixed in with a lack of veracity. Trump has recently – and absurdly – blamed Ukraine for starting the war. He has called Ukrainian President Zelenskyy a dictator since he is operating under martial law – in accordance with the Ukrainian constitution. Trump has mocked Zelenskyy as a comedian (based on his television sit-com career). Trump claims that Zelenskyy could have prevented the war by making a deal with Putin at the onset. In other words, Trump thinks Zelenskyy should have been a Putin puppet like the leaders of other pro-Russian nations.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Trump’s comments are untrue and outrageous – especially when you view them in comparison to his comments about Putin, who IS a maniacal dictator, a murderer, a warmonger, a war criminal and an avowed enemy of NATO, the world democracies and, most notably, the United States.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It is not difficult to differentiate between a good guy (Zelenskyy) and a bad guy (Putin) &#8230; a friend (Zelensky) and an adversary (Putin) &#8230; and ally (Ukraine) and enemy (Russia). ; It is just that simple.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some Americans believe in extreme isolationism. ; They say that the war in Ukraine is of no concern to America. ; Unfortunately, Trump’s statements and positions on Ukraine aid and abet that narrow-minded, short-sighted thinking. ; In past commentaries, I have delineated the broad range of SPECIFIC dangers to American security and leadership should Putin be allowed to win.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Any peace agreement that leaves Putin gaining any part of Ukraine is a victory for him. ; Any peace agreement that blocks Ukraine from joining NATO is a victory for Putin. Any peace agreement that does not force Russia to pay reparations for the lost lives and severe damage is a victory for Putin.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Based solely on Trump’s stated plan for peace, Putin is seeing victory. It has been reported that on February 24<sup>th</sup> – the three year anniversary of his invasion of Ukraine – he plans to make an official announcement declaring his victory over Ukraine and NATO.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And why not? ; Putin has seen Trump’s peace plan &#8212; and It gives Putin the victory &#8230; period. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But that does not mean all is lost. Zelenskyy has so far wisely rejected the Trump plan (which is why Trump is so pissed at Zelenskyy). There are still a lot of NATO nations willing and able to support Ukraine – to make up for whatever the United States does not do. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition, most members of Congress support Ukraine. There is a large enough bipartisan coalition to pass a bill to aid Ukraine with money and equipment – even enough members to override a presidential veto. Senator Lindsey supports putting Ukrainian aide in any budget bill that comes from the House.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Unfortunately, House Speaker Johnson has recently said he “has no appetite” for more war funding. He said it was time to end the war. The influential Elon Musk has called the war a “graft machine”. The sad truth of American politics is that leaders can bend the opinions of their team. That may just be what happens in this situation.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If Putin is able to claim victory, it may seem like a restoration of peace. In reality, it will be the reason Putin will use his restored military to grab more geography in the future. It will be the point at which the United States will have lost the world leadership it has held since the end of World War II. The Trump surrender plan will not make America great again. That will be up to some future President – and Trump will have made that more difficult.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So, there ‘tis.</p>

Bad Trump emerges over Ukraine war
