Donald Trump isn’t the first U.S. leader to abandon allies abruptly — just ask the Kurds or Afghan interpreters. However, since his return to office, Trump has institutionalized this tendency as official U.S. policy.
Take the example of Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump recently criticized him, saying Zelensky isn’t “ready for peace” and has “disrespected the United States.” He even called Zelensky a “dictator” on social media, despite Ukraine being under constant threat from Russian aggression.
The irony is hard to miss: While he undermines Zelensky, Trump seems enamored with Vladimir Putin, who’s been accused of heinous acts such as poisoning journalists and rigging elections. Putin oversees a regime involved in atrocities against Ukrainians, yet the focus falls on the leader attempting to oppose Russian aggression.
This diplomatic debacle highlights how quickly U.S.-Ukraine relations have deteriorated. Trump, incredibly, tried negotiating Ukraine’s future without involving Ukraine. His administration even floated a proposal that seemed straight out of a mafia playbook: in exchange for past U.S. support, Ukraine should hand over mineral rights.
In a televised meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance took shots at Zelensky, a move closer to a wrestling event than diplomatic discourse. Vance demanded gratitude from Zelensky toward Trump, a message that adds insult to injury, implying Ukraine must beg for aid. Such a public spectacle plays right into Moscow’s hands, offering them propaganda material.
We promised to support Ukraine; rescinding that promise now would resonate beyond Kyiv, affecting our global allies and emboldening enemies. America’s post-WWII foreign policy has largely been to financially support and protect weaker states in return for global stability. Yet Trump perceives this mutually beneficial relationship as a scam akin to splitting a dinner bill unilaterally.
Trump questions why U.S. resources should fund global security, not realizing that maintaining peace helps prevent chaos worldwide. Abandoning allies, however, might push them into enhancing their military might or seeking new alliances, which could be detrimental for the U.S.
Countries like Germany are rearming, which is concerning given historical contexts. Germany’s incoming leader has openly expressed the need for Europe to become less dependent on the U.S., citing Trump’s rhetoric as a catalyst for such autonomy.
The sentiment is spreading. Allies like Australia, Taiwan, Canada, and Japan are on edge, reassessing their defense strategies as they consider the possibility of reduced American involvement. This shift starkly contrasts the past decades of American-led international stability.
Maintaining alliances demands diplomatic finesse and sometimes humility. Reflecting on President Reagan’s commemoration of D-Day, one appreciates the unity he emphasized, knowing we were all part of a joint cause. In contrast, Trump’s approach sends a unilateral message: fend for yourselves.
One cannot overlook China, a global competitor with a massive population. A united free world balances this rivalry, but unity is crucial. Despite claiming to be a master dealmaker, Trump’s actions could squander American influence, alienating allies and empowering adversaries. Losing this power isn’t just harmful but retrieving it would be far more challenging.
The decline of a superpower’s global status doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow process, accelerating rapidly once begun.
Matt K. Lewis is known for his books “Filthy Rich Politicians” and “Too Dumb to Fail.”
