A prominent foreign affairs expert has condemned President Donald Trump’s proposed plan for Ukraine as a “disgrace.” Thomas L. Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the New York Times, sharply criticized the president’s pursuit of a peace deal that he claims undermines American values and allies.
Friedman indicated that Trump’s actions could earn him a dubious distinction: the “Neville Chamberlain Peace Prize.” This term references the British Prime Minister known for his appeasement of Adolf Hitler, suggesting that Trump’s approach similarly capitulates to an aggressive leader. He highlights that Trump’s negotiations, which he describes as a surrender of Ukraine to Vladimir Putin, occurred without prior consultation with Ukrainian officials or European allies.
In his column, Friedman specifically called out Trump’s “secretaries of state” — Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, and Dan Driscoll — for their roles in shaping this controversial proposal. He noted that they have effectively negotiated terms that demand Ukraine accept conditions set by Russia by November 28, 2023, coinciding with the American Thanksgiving holiday.
The implications of this deal, Friedman argues, threaten to transform Thanksgiving from a day of American celebration into one recognizing a Russian victory in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. He expressed concern that if Ukraine is forced to comply with the deal, the day will no longer symbolize American values but rather signify Russian dominance, achieved not through military might but through political maneuvering by an American administration.
Friedman elaborated on the broader consequences of such a deal, arguing that rewarding Putin’s unprovoked aggression would place the entire European Union in a precarious position. He stated, “Trump’s message to our allies will be clear: Don’t provoke Putin, because as long as I am commander in chief, the United States will pay no price and we will bear no burden in the defense of your freedom.”
He went on to suggest that if this plan is forced upon Ukraine, it may necessitate the introduction of a new term into diplomatic discussions: “Trumped,” defined as being sold out by an American president without understanding the rationale behind such decisions. Friedman warned that the historical legacy of this administration and its key figures would be marked by shame, with names like Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, and Dan Driscoll forever associated with this controversial chapter in U.S. foreign policy.
In summation, Friedman’s critique raises significant questions about the implications of Trump’s foreign policy approach and the potential risks to international alliances and stability. As the situation unfolds, the global community will be watching closely to see how these developments affect the delicate balance of power in Eastern Europe.
