URGENT UPDATE: Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Thomas L. Friedman has condemned Donald Trump‘s proposed plan for Ukraine, branding it a “disgrace” and a betrayal of American values. In a scathing critique published by the New York Times, Friedman argues that Trump’s quest for a peace prize could lead to catastrophic consequences for Ukraine and its allies.
Friedman asserts that Trump’s initiative is reminiscent of historical appeasement, suggesting that it could earn him the “Neville Chamberlain Peace Prize” for capitulating to Vladimir Putin without consulting key allies. “Finally, finally, President Trump just might get a peace prize that would secure his place in history. Unfortunately, it is not that Nobel peace prize he so covets,” Friedman wrote.
According to Friedman, the plan not only undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty but also poses a direct threat to the holiday of Thanksgiving. He warns, “If Ukraine is, indeed, forced to surrender to the specific terms of this ‘deal’ by then, Thanksgiving will no longer be an American holiday. It will become a Russian holiday.”
He emphasizes that the deal, if enacted, would signal a dangerous precedent for U.S. foreign policy and a clear message to allies: “Don’t provoke Putin, because as long as I am commander in chief, the United States will pay no price and we will bear no burden in the defense of your freedom.”
Friedman also criticized key figures in the negotiations—Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, and Dan Driscoll—for their roles in what he describes as the surrender of Ukraine to Russian demands. He adds that this would redefine diplomatic language, coining the term “Trumped” to describe being sold out by an American president.
“History will never forget the men who did it—Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, Dan Driscoll—for their shame will be everlasting,” Friedman stated.
This development is critical as it unfolds just days before Thanksgiving, on November 23, 2023, raising concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine amidst ongoing military aggression from Russia. Experts warn that capitulating to Putin’s demands would embolden his regime and destabilize the entire European Union.
As this situation develops, it is imperative for U.S. citizens and international observers alike to monitor the implications of Trump’s proposal, especially regarding its impact on global alliances and humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Stay tuned for updates as this story evolves and further reactions from officials and experts are expected.