"It was a truly disturbing moment: a former president, who tried to undermine democracy, bullying a man who is fighting to preserve it. The scene was set in the Oval Office, where President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, both TV stars-turned-politicians, engaged in a disgraceful confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump, whose draft-dodging past contrasts sharply with Zelensky's wartime bravery, took the opportunity to berate him for not being grateful enough to America. He accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” and demanded more gratitude, despite Zelensky’s repeated thanks for American support. To further insult Zelensky, a member of Trump’s handpicked press pool mocked him for not wearing a suit, echoing Trump’s earlier remarks about his attire.
The most shocking part of this spectacle was Trump’s alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a tyrant bent on swallowing Ukraine. Trump claimed that Putin had suffered alongside him during the "Russia, Russia, Russia" witch hunt and seemed baffled by Zelensky’s justified hatred of Putin’s brutal invasion.
Zelensky’s steadfastness and leadership are the qualities we need in these trying times. Trump, however, remains consumed by his delusions of grandeur, unable to see the truth of the situation or to act in the best interests of Ukraine and the free world.
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