RUTHFULLY YOURS

In an astounding public exchange between world leaders in the White House, President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance gave Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky a dressing-down that demonstrated American resolve to end business-as-usual for the Ukraine money pit and bring the war with Russia to an end.

Things got off to an awkward start from the very moment Zelensky arrived dressed in his usual  performative, combat-ready green sweatshirt, cargo pants and boots, as if he might have to rush back to the front lines against Russia at any moment. As the Ukrainian leader exited his motorcade, Trump shook his hand and wise-cracked to the press, “He’s all dressed up today.”

Once inside the White House room packed with reporters and cameras, there were 40 minutes of reasonable, calm discussion before Zelensky made what former US ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker called a “terrible, unforced error” by demanding security assurances before agreeing to a minerals deal with the U.S. He also argued that previous American Presidents including Trump 1.0 did nothing to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression against his country, and therefore the kind of diplomacy with Putin that Vance was urging was pointless.

This prompted an immediate and sharp rebuke from Vance, who upbraided him for “litigating” the war in front of the cameras: “Do you think that it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?”

The conversation went off a cliff from there, as Zelensky went on to employ the blackmail tactic of claiming that the U.S. has the privilege of “nice oceans” between us and Russia, but that if we don’t help him defeat Putin now, Americans will “feel it in the future.”

Trump then sternly interjected, “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel, because you’re in no position to dictate that.”

An increasingly angry Zelensky tried to talk over Trump, who continued, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War Three. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country – this country – that’s backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have.”

“Have you said ‘Thank you’ once?” Vance broke in, and Zelensky insisted, “A lot of times,” but Vance reminded him that he, Zelensky, “campaigned for the opposition in October. Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America, and the president who’s trying to save your country.”

When Zelensky tried to argue, Trump shut him down. “No, no, you’ve done a lot of talking. Your country is in big trouble. You’re not winning.” Trump noted that his “stupid” predecessor, Joe Biden, “gave you $350 billion” and military equipment. “If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks,” Trump declared.

“Accept that there are disagreements, and let’s go litigate those disagreements rather than trying to fight it out in the American media when you’re wrong. We know that you’re wrong,” Vance concluded.

The meeting ended with no minerals deal signed and with Zelensky promptly escorted from the White House. Afterward, Trump issued a statement on the social media platform Truth Social:

We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.

Republicans responded with enthusiastic approval. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX), for example, tweeted, “America First in action. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance for prioritizing our people first and for promoting peace!”

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) said, “This is what it looks like to stand up for America.”

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) chimed in: “Thank you, Mr. President and Vice President. The days of the USA getting pushed around are clearly over.”

Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) wrote, “Finally we have a President who will speak the TRUTH and stand up against Washington’s endless wars. American taxpayers have been funding this war, it’s time to stop the killing and stop risking World War 3!”

By contrast, Ukrainian flag-waving Democrat leaders and media talking heads predictably expressed their apoplectic outrage by falling back on their go-to talking point that Trump is a stooge of Putin.

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) labelled the President and Vice President cowards and puppets.

“Squad” radical Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) condemned Trump’s performance as “absolutely disgraceful and embarrassing” and claimed he was “doing Russia’s bidding on the world stage.”

“Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work,” Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) echoed.

Honey trap enthusiast Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) kissed up to Zelensky, stating, “The guy has balls. He went into the Oval Office and stood up to Russia’s best negotiators.”

Lifelong Communist Sen. Bernie Sanders had the nerve to post on X, “Trump berates Zelensky, the leader of a democratic country courageously fighting Russian imperialism, while he allies himself with Putin, a dictator who started the bloodiest European war in 80 years. Sorry, President Trump. We believe in democracy, not authoritarianism.”

“Fuck JD Vance. Fuck Trump. Acting like fucking bullies in front of the cameras,” Never-Trumper former congressman and radio host Joe Walsh spewed profanely and impotently.

Hysterical Left-wing protestations notwithstanding, the American President and Vice President today demonstrated, for the entire world to see, an America-First strength that has not been in evidence all through the Biden and Obama presidencies or even through Trump’s hamstrung first term. It puts not only Zelensky, but Putin and the entire world on notice that there are a new sheriff and deputy sheriff in town.

This is what we voted for.