By Matt Underwood The core message, delivered by a Finnish President—presumably to Donald Trump—is stark and direct: a Putin victory in Ukraine translates to an American defeat. This isn’t about abstract geopolitical strategy; it’s about hitting Trump where it hurts. The problem, as many have observed, isn’t the message itself, but the framing. Appealing to Trump’s sense of patriotism or national interest is futile; he’s primarily driven by self-preservation and personal gain.
Therefore, the argument must be reframed to directly impact Trump’s own interests. Suggesting that a Putin win equates to a personal loss for Trump is far more effective than highlighting potential damage to the US. The Finnish president’s message, in essence, needed to be repackaged. Phrasing it as “If Putin wins in Ukraine, Donald Trump loses,” or even more pointedly, “If Putin wins in Ukraine, Trumplandia loses,” would have a much higher chance of resonating. It’s about focusing on his personal brand, his self-proclaimed empire, rather than the broader national interests he routinely disregards.
The difficulty lies in Trump’s profound self-interest. He’s not motivated by nationalistic fervor or a genuine concern for the wellbeing of the United States. His actions consistently suggest a disturbing alignment with Putin’s goals, raising serious questions about his loyalties. This isn’t a mere political disagreement; the implications are far more insidious. The very notion that a world leader would need to explain such a basic concept to Trump highlights the extent of his detachment from traditional political norms and national interests.
The persistent denial surrounding Trump’s actions and motives is alarming. Many still struggle to accept that his primary allegiance lies with himself and perhaps others whose interests intertwine with his own. The notion that Trump and Putin are on the same side isn’t just a conspiracy theory; the evidence consistently points to this conclusion. It’s not just about potential quid pro quo arrangements; it’s about a shared worldview that prioritizes personal gain over national security and international cooperation.
The implication that the US has already “lost” under Trump’s leadership isn’t an exaggeration. Many believe that the damage inflicted during his presidency has undermined the country’s standing on the global stage, weakened its democratic institutions, and emboldened adversaries like Russia. This isn’t just about opinion; it’s about observable decline in international relations and the erosion of trust in American leadership. A Putin victory would merely solidify this decline, giving Trump less to claim as an accomplishment.
Therefore, the message to Trump needs to be personalized, focusing on the potential damage to his image, his wealth, and his future prospects. Focusing on abstract concepts like national security or democratic values is a wasted effort. He doesn’t respond to such appeals; his actions speak for themselves. The only language he understands is the language of personal gain or loss. This, however, is a deeply concerning realization given the gravity of the geopolitical situation.
Even if the message were successfully conveyed, there’s no guarantee of any meaningful change in Trump’s behavior. His long history of disregard for established norms and his apparent willingness to compromise national security for personal gain suggests he would continue to pursue his self-serving agenda. The hope that he would act in the interests of the United States, or even his own brand, appears to be misplaced. The reality is grim: a Putin victory is a victory for Trump, regardless of the consequences for America. This, ultimately, is the most alarming implication of all.