Pulitzer Winner Calls Trump’s Ukraine Deal ‘Disgraceful’

UPDATE: Thomas L. Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and foreign affairs expert, has condemned Donald Trump’s recent plan regarding Ukraine as a “disgrace,” raising urgent concerns over its implications for international relations. In a scathing critique published in the New York Times, Friedman accused the former president of prioritizing personal ambition over American values.

Friedman asserts that Trump’s strategy is aimed at securing a Nobel Peace Prize but warns it might lead to a more infamous recognition: the “Neville Chamberlain Peace Prize,” awarded to leaders who betray their allies. “Finally, finally, President Trump just might get a peace prize that would secure his place in history,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, though, it is not that Nobel peace prize he so covets.”

The foreign affairs columnist sharply criticized Trump’s administration, stating that it has effectively negotiated Ukraine’s surrender to Vladimir Putin without consulting Ukrainian or European leaders. He highlighted that Ukraine is expected to accept these terms by Thanksgiving, which falls on November 23, 2023.

“If Ukraine is, indeed, forced to surrender to the specific terms of this ‘deal’ by then, Thanksgiving will no longer be an American holiday,” Friedman warned. “It will become a Russian holiday,” marking a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape.

Friedman elaborated on the dire consequences of such a deal, stating, “Thanksgiving 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, but by an American administration.”

He further emphasized the long-term ramifications, arguing that the deal undermines the security of the entire European Union. “By rewarding Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine… the U.S. will be putting the whole European Union under Putin’s thumb,” he said.

Friedman’s commentary shines a light on the potential fallout for U.S. foreign policy. He warned that Trump’s approach sends a clear message to allies: “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.”

In a stark conclusion, Friedman introduced a new term for diplomatic betrayal: “Trumped,” defined as being “sold out by an American president for reasons none of his citizens understand.” He stated that the legacy of this decision will be remembered, particularly for those involved: “Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, Dan Driscoll — for their shame will be everlasting.”

This urgent commentary has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many calling for immediate action and reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the White House and its next moves regarding Ukraine.