Politics Weekly America Is Trump abandoning his ‘America First’ policy for Ukraine?
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Aug 19, 2025 This week, Andrew Roth, The Guardian's global affairs correspondent, dives into Trump’s recent interactions with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He discusses whether Trump is sacrificing his 'America First' mantra for a peacemaker role amidst the Ukraine crisis. The conversation explores Trump's evolving foreign policy, his need to navigate the complex dynamics of NATO, and the expectations of his MAGA base. Roth also highlights the challenges of offering security guarantees to Ukraine while maintaining strong ties with Eastern Europe.
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Ad Hoc Dealmaking By Design
- Trump operates ad hoc and improvises major diplomatic moves.
- Andrew Roth says Trump often makes it up as he goes along and favors showmanship over detail.
Friendly Oval Office Reunion
- Zelensky's second Oval Office visit had joking, back-slapping optics unlike the previous shouting match.
- Trump complimented Zelensky's suit and journalists who attacked him before now praised him, showing a dramatic tonal shift.
Peacemaker Brand Motivation
- Trump wants to burnish his peacemaker credentials by brokering Russia-Ukraine talks.
- Roth argues Trump sees solving this war as a signature foreign policy achievement even if details are thin.