The treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and the far-right media during his visit to the United States was a shameful display of political cynicism, ignorance, and betrayal. Instead of showing solidarity with a nation fighting for its survival against Russian aggression, they chose to humiliate an ally, undermine American commitments, and embolden adversaries. Their behavior was not only embarrassing but also fundamentally un-American, as it abandoned principles of democracy, leadership, and international responsibility.
Trump, who has long admired Vladimir Putin, set the tone for this disgraceful episode by casting doubt on continued U.S. aid to Ukraine and pushing an isolationist narrative that plays directly into the hands of the Kremlin. His rhetoric, as always, was detached from reality and motivated by personal grievances rather than strategic thinking. By treating Zelensky with condescension and hostility, he reinforced the perception that he views global affairs solely through the lens of his own political ambitions rather than America’s broader interests.
J.D. Vance, who has increasingly positioned himself as one of Trump’s most sycophantic loyalists, took a particularly disgraceful approach. His dismissive attitude toward Ukraine’s struggle and his attempts to paint Zelensky as a beggar rather than a wartime leader were both disingenuous and dangerous. Vance’s rhetoric echoed Kremlin propaganda, framing support for Ukraine as a burden rather than a necessary stand against tyranny. In doing so, he betrayed not just Ukraine but also America’s long-standing commitment to supporting nations resisting authoritarian conquest.
The right-wing media, ever eager to follow Trump’s lead, amplified these disgraceful narratives. Instead of recognizing Zelensky as the courageous leader he is, they treated him with contempt, painting him as a manipulator or a burden on American taxpayers. This approach not only misleads their audience but also actively weakens U.S. influence in the world. By sowing skepticism about supporting Ukraine, they are doing Putin’s work for him, normalizing appeasement, and undermining decades of American leadership in global security.
This treatment of Zelensky was not just disrespectful—it was strategically foolish. Ukraine’s fight is not merely about its own survival but about the broader struggle against Russian expansionism and authoritarianism. Allowing Putin to succeed in Ukraine would embolden him and other dictators around the world, increasing threats to NATO allies and, ultimately, the United States. The idea that America can simply withdraw from its responsibilities and remain secure is a dangerous fantasy that history has repeatedly disproven.
Furthermore, the lack of decorum and statesmanship displayed by Trump, Vance, and their media enablers stands in stark contrast to the leadership America should be demonstrating. Past presidents, whether Republican or Democrat, understood the value of standing with allies and maintaining credibility on the world stage. The disgraceful treatment of Zelensky signals to the world that America may no longer be a reliable partner, a perception that will have long-term consequences for U.S. foreign policy and national security.
Their actions also insult the American people, the majority of whom continue to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. Americans have a long history of standing against aggression and tyranny, from World War II to the Cold War. The idea that U.S. aid to Ukraine is some kind of unfair burden ignores the reality that supporting allies now prevents larger, costlier conflicts in the future. By attempting to erode that support, Trump and Vance are not acting in America’s best interests but rather in service of their own political agendas.
Even beyond geopolitics, there is a moral failure in their approach. Zelensky is not just a politician; he is a leader who stayed in Kyiv when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, risking his life to rally his people and defend his country. He has become a global symbol of resistance against oppression. To treat such a figure with derision and hostility is not just embarrassing—it is disgraceful. It demonstrates a fundamental lack of character, empathy, and understanding of what real leadership entails.
In contrast, most of America’s allies and even members of Congress across party lines continue to recognize the importance of supporting Ukraine. The bipartisan backing for Ukraine’s fight exists because it is not merely a foreign policy issue—it is a test of American values and commitment to a rules-based international order. The right-wing attempts to undermine that support reflect a troubling shift toward authoritarian appeasement and a rejection of America’s traditional role as a global leader.
Ultimately, the behavior of Trump, Vance, and their media allies was not just an embarrassment but a betrayal of everything America stands for. It signaled to the world that a faction of the country is willing to abandon its allies, disregard its commitments, and embrace a myopic, self-destructive worldview that serves only America’s enemies. The damage done by this shameful episode will not be easily undone.
