Thomas Friedman Critiques Trump’s Ukraine Deal as “Disgraceful”

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas L. Friedman has sharply criticized Donald Trump for his recent approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a scathing opinion piece for the New York Times, Friedman described Trump’s efforts to negotiate a peace deal with Russia as a “disgrace” that undermines American values and alliances.

Friedman argued that Trump’s maneuvering in pursuit of a potential Nobel Peace Prize could instead lead to a historical legacy akin to that of Neville Chamberlain. Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister known for his policy of appeasement towards Adolf Hitler, has become synonymous with the failure to confront aggression. Friedman stated, “Unfortunately, though, it is not that Nobel peace prize he so covets. It is the ‘Neville Chamberlain Peace Prize’ — awarded by history to the leader of the country that most flagrantly sells out its allies and its values to an aggressive dictator.”

This criticism extends to several of Trump’s appointed officials, whom Friedman accused of facilitating a deal that compromises Ukraine without prior consultation with its government or European allies. He specifically named Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, and Dan Driscoll as key figures in what he described as a capitulation to Vladimir Putin’s demands.

Friedman emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that Ukraine could be coerced into accepting unfavorable terms by the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, which falls on November 23, 2023. He remarked, “If Ukraine is, indeed, forced to surrender to the specific terms of this ‘deal’ by then, Thanksgiving will no longer be an American holiday. It will become a Russian holiday.”

He elaborated on the implications of such a deal, suggesting that it would signify a victory for Russia in its war against Ukraine and undermine the security of the entire European Union. In Friedman’s view, this approach sends a troubling message to U.S. 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.”

Friedman concluded with a stark warning about the long-term consequences of this diplomatic strategy. He indicated that the term “Trumped” may need to be added to the diplomatic lexicon, signifying betrayal by an American president for reasons that remain opaque to the public. He stated, “And history will never forget the men who did it — Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, Dan Driscoll — for their shame will be everlasting.”

This commentary highlights the contentious nature of U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s administration and underscores the potential ramifications of his approach towards one of the most critical geopolitical conflicts of the current era. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the global community watches closely, aware that the stakes are high for both democracy and international stability.