𝘜𝘬𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘳: 𝘈 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱’𝘴 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘐𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘮

March 12th, 2025

America has undeniably accomplished many feats throughout history and continues to be a country brimming with opportunity. However, the idea that America achieved these feats alone can be contested. President Donald Trump has begun his second term by immediately focusing on attaining a self-sufficient America. Through tariffs, layoffs of important agencies, and Trump’s diplomatic takes on Europe and Ukraine, the United States is on its way to becoming self-reliant, reminiscent of its political and economic status in the Industrial Era.

Historically, it is important to note that tariffs during the early days of the United States were positive and allowed the country to compete with Europe. After World War II, America became the leader of the free world and prospered for decades thereafter. The world then even witnessed a decrease in violent conflicts. After this achievement, Nations globally, over time, have observed the choices made by the United States. In the present, President Trump’s meeting with Zelensky has had many ramifications.

Since the tense meeting between Zelensky and President Trump, Russia has intensified its assault. Many European nations, along with other U.S. allies, have denounced President Trump as a result of the meeting’s outcome. 

Even after the success of the mineral deal with Ukraine, Trump still won’t resume military aid to Ukraine. This includes intelligence and weapons. Trump has explicitly stated his position on Zelensky’s leadership, even referring to him as a dictator. On February 28th, he also stated on Truth Social that “It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.” President Trump has made it clear that he is no longer focused on Ukraine’s sovereignty but instead on the resources the country could provide to the United States. 

Currently, Ukraine has agreed to a thirty-day ceasefire. United States and Ukrainian officials met on March 11 to discuss the frameworks of the peace agreement. After this meeting, Zelensky told journalists that he wouldn’t recognize occupied territories as Russian. This development concerns the success of the cease-fire as Putin has already declared not to relinquish territory. On January 20th, Putin told his security council that this “should not be a short truce, not some kind of respite for regrouping forces and rearmament with the aim of subsequently continuing the conflict, but a long-term peace”. President Trump’s stance on the Ukraine Conflict amongst the tariffs is leading many European nations to turn away from the United States. European countries have begun deliberating on committing forces to the conflict, as opinions on the war continue to diverge increasingly between the United States and the EU. It wouldn’t be surprising if Putin declined the ceasefire; however, if the ceasefire is successful, relations can improve between all the nations mentioned