By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The vast majority of Americans stand with the world’s democracies, supporting international alliances and a post-war system of rules, despite President Trump’s isolationist stance. His unilateral actions, such as launching a war without consulting allies, have been rebuffed by nations like France, Canada, and the UK. These allies did not reject the United States but the person in office who disregarded established diplomatic norms. The article emphasizes that the American people, embarrassed by their current leadership, need the continued help of these global partners to address critical issues like climate change, pandemics, and the safeguarding of democracy.
Read the original article here
To our allies across the globe, a heartfelt plea: please, do not mistake our current president for the entirety of the American people. We understand the frustration, the bewilderment, and perhaps even the anger that his actions inspire. We are, ourselves, deeply troubled, and want to assure you that a significant portion of us are engaged in a strenuous, ongoing effort to resist, contain, and ultimately remove him from office as swiftly as humanly possible. We humbly ask for your continued patience as we navigate this profoundly challenging period.
It’s a difficult admission, but the reality is that America elected him not once, but twice. The first instance, in 2016, felt like a collective lapse, a mistake many hoped would be a singular event. The subsequent election in 2024, however, felt like a deliberate doubling down, a choice that has left many of us deeply ashamed and concerned about the direction of our nation. We acknowledge, with full accountability, that this outcome is a reflection of our nation’s choices.
Some may argue that our problems extend beyond a single individual, pointing to systemic issues like a Supreme Court that seems to grant presidents broad immunity for official acts, or a Congress that has, at times, appeared hesitant to address critical issues like trade disputes or foreign policy decisions. These observations hold weight, and they contribute to the larger picture of why a figure like our current president can gain and maintain power.
The notion of American exceptionalism, often cited as a unique national virtue, has been present long before this presidency. In some respects, our current leader has simply articulated and acted upon beliefs that have long resided within segments of the American populace, taking them to a more extreme and honest expression. This isn’t to excuse his behavior, but to acknowledge that the roots of certain national tendencies run deeper than one person.
From the perspective of our neighbors, the perception of American actions on the global stage has been shaped by consistent policies, regardless of who occupies the presidency. Issues like trade disputes, where independent bodies have often found American actions to be in error, yet the U.S. has pressed forward with its agenda, demonstrate a pattern that precedes and extends beyond our current leader. This can erode trust and create a sense of imbalance.
Many of us, the progressive voices within the United States, feel a profound sense of embarrassment and offense at the current state of our leadership. We did not vote for him, and we actively work against his agenda. However, it is crucial to understand that the numbers involved in significant national movements are, at times, smaller than one might expect. While millions may protest, tens of millions have voted for other outcomes. This disparity in engagement and participation is a significant factor in why our national trajectory has been what it has.
The trust that allies place in any nation is earned, not freely given. That trust, once broken, is exceptionally difficult to rebuild. The decision to elect a leader, knowing his past actions, his rhetoric, and his evident disregard for established norms, and then to do so again, has had a seismic impact on how America is perceived internationally. This repeated choice has sent a clear message, and the consequences are substantial.
There is a painful truth in the assertion that our president, for better or worse, *does* represent us. He is the product of a complex electorate, including apathetic citizens, dedicated supporters, and influential figures. While it is important to distinguish between individuals, the collective decision-making of a nation at the ballot box cannot be ignored on the international stage.
The damage that has been inflicted is not merely superficial; it is deep and far-reaching. The trust that allies once held has been profoundly eroded, and regaining that confidence will be a monumental task, likely taking decades. It is essential that we, as Americans, acknowledge our collective responsibility for allowing this to happen, not once, but twice.
We understand that apologies alone are insufficient. The world needs to see tangible actions, not just words of regret. This means more than just hoping for a future election to correct course. It requires active, sustained engagement from citizens to ensure that such a situation never arises again. This involves addressing the underlying systemic issues that contribute to such outcomes, including the influence of money in politics and the spread of misinformation.
The narrative that America is somehow uniquely flawed is not entirely accurate, but the current situation has certainly highlighted existing vulnerabilities and the consequences of national choices. The world has observed our actions, and the trust that was once a bedrock of international relations has been significantly undermined.
When considering the actions of any nation, it is common for international perception to focus on the leadership and the collective decisions of the state, rather than solely on individual dissenters. Just as the actions of a government are attributed to the nation it represents, the election of a leader, especially for a second term, leads to a broader judgment of the country as a whole.
We recognize that the world has its own challenges and that it is unreasonable to expect constant, granular attention to American politics. However, the decisions made by the United States have a profound global impact. The damage done by this presidency will not be easily undone, and the path to rebuilding trust will require more than just patience; it will require demonstrable change and a renewed commitment to responsible global engagement.
The notion that we are “trying our best” is, for many of us, an insufficient assessment. We acknowledge that more can and must be done. The apathy that allows such figures to rise and persist is a serious concern, and it is a battle that we are actively fighting on multiple fronts. The international community’s perception of America is shaped by its actions and choices, and a repeated election of a controversial leader speaks volumes.
The hope is that this period will serve as a catalyst for profound introspection and systemic reform within the United States. Only through such deep-seated change can we hope to restore the confidence of our allies and prove ourselves to be reliable partners on the global stage once more. Until then, we can only continue our efforts to resist, contain, and remove the current leadership, and ask for your understanding and forbearance.