Thomas Friedman Critiques Trump’s Ukraine Peace Deal as ‘Disgraceful’

Thomas L. Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and foreign affairs columnist for the New York Times, has sharply criticized Donald Trump‘s approach to Ukraine, calling it a “disgrace.” Friedman expressed his views in a recent op-ed, where he condemned the former president’s efforts to broker a peace deal with Vladimir Putin.

Friedman argues that Trump’s actions reflect a significant betrayal of American values and allies. He suggests that the peace proposal, aimed at securing a Nobel Peace Prize for Trump, more closely resembles a “Neville Chamberlain Peace Prize.” This term refers to the British Prime Minister known for his appeasement of Adolf Hitler, highlighting the gravity of Friedman’s accusation.

In his critique, Friedman states, “Finally, finally, President Trump just might get a peace prize that would secure his place in history. Unfortunately, though, it is not that Nobel Peace Prize he so covets.” He continues by stating that the proposed deal undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and disregards both Ukrainian and European interests, noting that the plan was negotiated without prior consultation with Ukraine or its European allies.

The implications of this deal could be far-reaching, according to Friedman. He posits that if Ukraine is forced to accept the terms of the agreement by Thanksgiving, which falls on November 23, 2023, it will transform the holiday from a symbol of American gratitude into a celebration of Russian victory. “It will become a day of thanks that victory in Putin’s savage and misbegotten war against Ukraine’s people… was delivered to Russia not by the superiority of its arms or the virtue of its claims, but by an American administration,” he wrote.

Friedman elaborated on the consequences of rewarding Putin’s aggression, warning that it could place the entire European Union under Russian influence. 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.”

To emphasize the gravity of the situation, Friedman proposes a new term for the diplomatic lexicon: “Trumped,” defined as being “sold out by an American president, for reasons none of his citizens understand.” He concludes by stressing that the actions of Trump and his associates, including Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, and Dan Driscoll, will be remembered with lasting shame.

Friedman’s critique serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of international diplomacy, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions between the West and Russia. As discussions surrounding the Ukraine peace deal continue, the stakes for both Ukraine and its allies remain high.