The Art of Capitulation: Trump’s Weakness in Ukraine
Donald Trump has long branded himself as the ultimate dealmaker, but his current approach to ending the War in Ukraine tells a very different story. Rather than leveraging American strength to obtain a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, Trump appears ready for a back-room deal that hands Vladimir Putin everything he hoped to achieve by bullying his smaller neighbor.
Instead of standing firm against Russian aggression, Trump has signaled openness to granting Putin the illegitimate territorial and political concessions he has long sought in Ukraine. History warns of the dangers of such a shortsighted approach. Surrendering the Crimea and Donbas regions of Ukraine to appease Putin’s aggression would echo failed appeasement of the past. Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence must be defended, including the possibility of future NATO membership.
Trump’s current stance on Ukraine sets a dangerous global precedent, signaling to other authoritarian leaders that aggression will go unchecked by the United States. China is watching. If the U.S. fails to stop Putin’s expansion in Europe, Beijing will see a green light for its territorial ambitions in Asia. Trump’s goal of peace at any cost is an illusion, and one that will only invite future global conflict.
Trump frames his approach as pragmatic, arguing that a quick settlement will save lives and reduce the U.S. financial burden. Yet, much like his multiple bankruptcies in Atlantic City, his strategy for ending the war in Ukraine rewards the wrong people. Trump’s approach to Ukraine is shortsighted and seeks immediate savings at the risk of even greater long-term costs.
Trump’s deference to Putin stands in stark contrast to Ronald Reagan’s Cold War strategy. Reagan confronted adversaries head-on and reinforced NATO alliances to present a united front against authoritarian regimes. The Reagan Doctrine protected freedom while shouldering the military and economic costs required to sustain peace through strength. In contrast, Trump’s approach seeks a quick peace to avoid the burden of defending freedom. For generations, the United States has stood firm against autocrats who sought to expand power through force. Trump has abandoned that approach and instead shows weakness when dealing with Putin—praising him publicly and bowing to his demands while undermining NATO allies. Trump’s approach is no longer The Art of the Deal – it is simply The Art of Capitulation.
