Americans should be ‘ashamed’ at how Trump treats Zelenskyy and our allies, says Ambassador Rufus Gifford
by Curated February 28, 2025 · Gay News / Gay Pride / Gay Rights / The Advocate
Author: John Casey
In a heated Oval Office meeting today, President Donald Trump’ and Vice President JD Vance berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of disrespect and threatening to withdraw U.S. support if he doesn’t pursue peace with Russia.For Gifford, the exchange underscored Zelenskyy’s deep understanding of the stakes. “It speaks to how he views the United States,” he said. “He knows how important we are. For him, this is life or death, for his people, and for his country. And he was never a grandstander. He was sincere. He had a mission, and he wanted to tell the story.”
“He wasn’t just preparing for another diplomatic meeting. He was making the case for his country’s survival. It was humbling to witness, and it underscored how critical U.S. support is for Ukraine’s future.”
Moral leadership, Gifford argues, isn’t about making every decision based on immediate financial return. “It’s about goodwill. It’s about the benefits that come from global respect. That’s why, when I was ambassador, I could ask Denmark to help fight Ebola in Africa or remove chemical weapons from Syria, and they would say yes, and not because it was their fight, but because we led.”
Now, Gifford warns, the answer may not be yes. “It’s going to be harder for allies to stand by us. That means more isolation. Even the richest and most powerful country on Earth cannot act alone. The world is too complex, and there are adversaries, Russia, China for example, that are eager to step into the leadership void we’re creating.”
The consequences, he says, are already playing out. “Trump claims to be a master negotiator, but we’re watching him surrender leverage on the world stage. The upcoming summit in Saudi Arabia? Russia is calling the shots. We’re giving up our position without even a fight.”
Despite his concerns, Gifford remains hopeful. “I think Republicans are starting to get scared. Look at the conservative town halls. Republican lawmakers are getting hammered by their own constituents. That’s how change happens.”
Pointing to Trump’s declining approval ratings, Gifford sees a path forward. “I’ve felt disempowered and depressed over the last month, but when I see those numbers, I realize we still have a chance. We have to share our stories, speak out, and fight for what we know is right.”
For Gifford, the question isn’t just about America’s relationships with other countries. It’s about America’s relationship with itself. “Historically, we’ve been the good guys. Now more and more people are rooting against us. Do we accept that, or do we fight to be the nation we once were? That’s the choice we face.”
Original Article on The Advocate
Author: John Casey
