Trump/Zelensky interview in the White House

It was hard to watch - the most extraordinary press conference I've ever seen.

Unbelievably appalling. Poor Zelensky. He must have been jet lagged and is clearly unwell. He can hardly speak even if allowed to do so.
I reckon this might rebound on Trump. Many Americans are profoundly shocked at his behaviour.
Zelensky is a leader to be proud of. Trump is an embarrassment.
🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

The whole thing was disgusting. It certainly showed Trump and Vance’s true colours, if we didn’t know already. I suspect it was stage managed already to impress Putin.
Our American friends are beyond embarrassed, as I hope most of their country people are.

I wanted to weep for Zelensky. Trump and Vance are vile bullies. I cannot imagine how this will play out.

My only hope is that Trump is so desperate to get hold of the Ukrainian minerals, he will somehow get Zelensky back.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Somethings going on here…. 🤷‍♀️
I’ve got a funny feeling Trump and Putin are carving up the spoils of Ukraine.

If Trump pulls out this WILL be a dangerous game.

He’s up to something. He’s looking to China that’s his biggest threat. He doesn’t want to get tied up in Europe.

But why humiliate Zelensky?

This is his usual self . He is a bully and has always been a bully . He is an absolute shame ,
This time he was really caught on camera for the way he is . I think it is a good thing to emphasize how inept he truly is for this office . The Russians are rubbing their hands in glee .

Perhaps the Trump fans amongst us could elaborate on what they admire?

I am sick to my stomach about this. What happened to all the good will and hosting Ukrainian citizens here?

CNN news feed one hour ago

"Trump ordered that the Ukrainians be told to leave, White House official says
From CNN's Kevin Liptak and Kit Maher
President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky went to separate rooms after their heated Oval Office exchange, with the Ukrainians wanting the talks to continue.

The White House, however, made it clear it was time for them to go.

Trump ordered that the Ukrainians be told to leave, according to a White House official."

"The Ukrainians were holding nearby in a separate room, which is standard when a foreign leader visits. Typically, they go to other rooms, then reconvene for lunch. But the Ukrainians would not be dining at the White House. As the prepared food sat nearby on carts in a hallway outside the press secretary’s office, the Ukrainians were instructed to leave.

The White House official said the Ukrainians protested and wanted to continue the talks. But they were told no."

mum2three

I thoroughly enjoyed the scene. Trump speaks his mind...no pussyfooting about with this man. How refreshing after Biden and Obama....sucking up and appeasing.

Well nothing like supporting two bullies who set a nasty trap for Zelensky . It was vile and has nothing to do with the diplomacy that is needed at this time . Just another day where I am ashamed of my country the USA . Many of us are . Your remark deserves no respect .

Oh America!
What have you done by electing this excuse for a human 😧

What an absolute travesty, to speak to any President of a sovereign country like this in public is just the very worst behaviour. Is bullying pure and simple, wanting to humiliate Zelensky on the public stage because he isn’t playing ball with Trump.
Is just unbelievable that this gross caricature of a US President is actually doing dreadful things every single day and nobody can stop him, yet so many have to suffer as a result.
😡😡😡

(to merlotgran)

I wanted to just give that man a hug, Zelensky I mean. What a pair of childish bullies Trump and Vance are. Americans should be ashamed of their President. I couldn't believe what I was watching. I hope Europe comes together in support of Ukraine and its very brave President.

I imagine as disgusted as us, but we are free to say it.

A senior politician in the US has said this is a disaster for
America. Trump will be out of NATO soon. He said he doesn't really understand the defence alliance and thinks he is able to go it alone.
It was a disgusting performance by Trump and Vance who have no idea of statesmanship.

The US administration does not seem to be thinking about how their actions and attitude could seriously backfire on their own citizens, those who want to commit terrorist attacks to highlight their own ideologies and grievences have not gone away, in the event of anything happening, they will expect international support and cooperation to deal with it, not sure it will be forthcoming automatically.

The King will do his job, just like Starmer has done. It's at times like this, that he earns his money and Trump is a complete idiot if he thinks anyone in the UK really wants him to visit. (well a few might, no doubt Farage will be pleased).

vegansrock

Let’s hope King Charles withdraws his invite.

Can he do that?

King Charles is a kind man and from a young age was taught leadership qualities that Trump will never have.
I bet he hated watching Zelensky being humiliated and I wonder how Starmer feels about it?

Mom of three, I can see why you would admire people like Trump. Most people do not like bullies except bullies.

Vance is powering Trump on, , Elon makes three.. I don't believe any decent person has anything but shock and disgust by their bullying of Zelensky. They were intent on humiliating him, however they failed. He is brave and honest, Trump and Vance the opposite. No one will look at them without seeing them for what they are, a good days work. Maybe Putin can be there next time they need a victim.

I think you are probably right FGT.
The fact it was all done in front of the Press.
The deliberate insults.
The attempt to humiliate.
All stage managed, by a reality show host, draft dodger and convicted felon.
Trump is as big a threat to world peace as Putin.

I never post on the politics threads, but I'm so appalled at what I've just seen on BBC News (the live discussion) that I just have to. I'm seriously afraid...Trump obviously has a siginificant personalilty issue and Vance is just a bully of the worst kind. I can't belive what I've just seen.

FGT I also wonder what's going on. Putin is actually in quite a weak position ATM, as is Zelensky but a ceasefire without safeguards is much more in Putin's favour than it could ever be for Zelensky. We are living in very dangerous times as the balance of power is being disrupted by Trump and we have no idea where it will lead.

Let’s hope King Charles withdraws his invite.

If USA drops out of supporting Ukraine, it opens up the possibility of a group of countries possibly Europe, Poland and countries in the immediate region filling the gap left by the USA. I wonder if Trump’s idea of a deal is to pull support for Ukraine to force the end of war? This may backfire on Trump if support is found elsewhere.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Vance was wrong asking Zelensky if he’d said “thank you”?
“Yes” said Zelensky “many times”.
“No I mean here, today, in the Oval Office”.

How to kick a man when he’s down.

I can’t quite see what Trump is even offering Zelensky?

But facts are facts. This IS the end game Zelensky. Holding out any longer just puts more Ukrainian lives at risk. It all has to stop somewhere.

It’s not over. Zelensky hasn’t signed a deal yet. Privately Trump will be fuming because he didn’t achieve what he wanted today- but he will still want a deal.

mum2three

I thoroughly enjoyed the scene. Trump speaks his mind...no pussyfooting about with this man. How refreshing after Biden and Obama....sucking up and appeasing.

I thoroughly enjoyed the scene.

... you enjoyed watching Zelensky being humiliated? Why?

Trump speaks his mind...no pussyfooting about with this man.

Oh dear! Anyone can "speak their mind". All you have to do us not bother to control your temper. Toddlers and teenagers do it all the time - until they grow-up a bit, and their intellect calms their temper.

How refreshing after Biden and Obama....sucking up and appeasing.

... and Trump has just sucked-up to and appeased Putin who will be watching this with delight, and enjoying every minute... same as you.