By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump’s recent shift in stance against Vladimir Putin has ignited cautious optimism, with promises of increased military aid and the potential imposition of tariffs on Russian goods. However, many supporters and experts express skepticism, questioning the durability of this change and the potential for Trump to reverse course. Concerns persist regarding the delayed implementation of sanctions and the lack of concrete details regarding the weapons deal, leaving many to wonder about the true extent of the U.S. commitment. Ultimately, the lasting impact of this shift will depend on the details of the deal and whether the president maintains his newfound direction.
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Europeans are still wary of Trump’s promises to Ukraine despite apparent U-turn on Putin.
Let’s be frank, when it comes to Donald Trump, it’s all about performance. This recent bluster regarding Putin and Ukraine? It’s a show, a theatrical production designed to grab headlines. Until the tangible support, the missiles, the real aid, actually materializes, it’s nothing more than words. He has a well-established history of changing his mind, of making promises he never intends to keep. Remember the Epstein files? This pattern of behavior has bred a healthy dose of skepticism, and frankly, who can blame them?
The problem is that Trump’s record is one of remarkable inconsistency. He took months to acknowledge the threat Putin posed, and even then, it felt more like a reluctant admission than a genuine shift in perspective. There’s a deep-seated distrust that stems from his past actions. It’s the kind of feeling where you can’t help but suspect he might have been working in Putin’s best interests all along. His actions over the past few decades do little to dispel this idea, and his public statements, even if they sound critical of Putin, are often overshadowed by his past statements and actions, which has further reinforced the distrust.
The lack of concrete action is a major sticking point. Europeans have watched the “tough talk” and heard the empty threats before. They’ve seen the demands levied against Ukraine, but rarely anything directed at Putin himself. In fact, when compared to even a figure like President Biden, Trump’s strongest responses often seem muted. The perception, rightly or wrongly, is that Trump is more concerned with his own image and self-preservation than with the plight of Ukraine.
This isn’t just about a lack of trust; it’s about a fundamental understanding of how Trump operates. He has a knack for theatrics, for generating headlines, and for distracting from his own shortcomings. The suspicion is that this recent display of outrage is nothing more than a smokescreen, an attempt to deflect from other issues, perhaps even to curry favor with certain segments of the electorate.
The core issue here is reliability. Can the US, under Trump, be trusted as an ally? The answer, from the European perspective, is a resounding “no.” His words are essentially worthless until they’re backed up by decisive action. Promises are easily made and just as easily broken. Trump’s erratic behavior, his penchant for lying, and his history of betraying allies have made him an unreliable partner.
The skepticism is not only warranted but also a sign of intelligence. It reflects an understanding of the transactional nature of Trump’s worldview. He approaches every situation with a view to self-interest, and any actions he takes will likely be for his own benefit, either directly or indirectly.
The EU should rightly adopt a “wait-and-see” approach. They won’t believe anything he says and are going to need to see a “U-Turn of the U-turn of the U-turn” before any trust is established. The only thing constant about Trump is his inconsistency.
This isn’t just about distrusting Trump; it’s about recognizing the broader implications for international relations. The US, under Trump, is perceived as an unreliable pariah state, governed by individuals who are more concerned with their own agendas than with the principles of diplomacy or the welfare of their allies. Any American support will be welcome, but the EU knows that it needs to take a leadership position and maintain control of its own destiny.
The focus should be on actions, not words. Europe recognizes that in Trump’s world, actions speak much louder than words, if Trump is even capable of those. The lack of real consequences for Putin’s actions and the sanctions that are always “two months away” contribute to the cynicism. Europeans understand that Trump’s priority will always be Trump. He is not someone who can be relied upon to be an ally. Instead, they must take the lead and be self-determined in this war on their land.