Trump has found a new way to gaslight the world – calling Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator who started Ukraine’s war.
Zelensky called this out, telling the world the US president was “living in a disinformation space governed by Moscow”. It’s the closest a statesman may ever come to calling Trump a conspiracy-programmed Russian bot in other words. And it’s hard to argue with that right now.
Sir Keir Starmer was one of the first to reassert his support for Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader will be reassured to hear the UK PM tell him that he is not a dictator. Kemi Badenoch swiftly followed – calling Putin’s invasion illegal and Zelensky the democratic leader. But that support opens up a chasm of things unsaid. And the word salad is excruciating.
If our politicians know that Zelensky is the rightful president of Ukraine, then are they prepared to tell Trump he’s wrong? Do they recognise, more fundamentally, that Trump has switched sides in this war? He wants Ukraine to fall. He wants Russia to feel victory. He wants – at its most Freudian basic level – to be liked by Putin who he admires. And if they do realise that – as presumably pretty much every fan of democracy now does – then why are they unable to say it out loud?
Of course Trump needs flattery. The narcissist in chief is easily pleased by simple shiny things. You say nice words, and if you’re lucky you get a good soundbite back. But that doesn’t ultimately solve the problem.
He called Johnson “Britain Trump”. The title was as ambiguously insulting as the grammar was awkward. A phrase, that as ever, made no sense – but hinted – that Johnson was in Trump’s orbit. He was, and then he wasn’t. They swapped phone numbers. But the UK never got its much-vaunted, post-Brexit trade deal. And then Trump was gone.
I hate to say it but it's time to bring back Boris Johnson
Read MoreNo one wants to pick a fight with the man who – in world terms – holds all the cards.
Trump has never hidden his admiration of autocrats. Those who push others around through threats, intimidation, falsehood and military dominance. Where are the voices prepared to speak out now?
The passive tense works in prose. But it doesn’t work in leadership.
He began the post graciously: “Mr President, Ukraine did not start this war.” He ended it with a bombshell: “The road to peace must be built on truth”. That’s the nearest the American right has come to calling Trump a liar this week.
A former VP learnt the hard way – after an attempt on his life. But there are easier ways to do it. Particularly when it’s second time around. Because make no mistake – this doesn’t end with Ukraine. It’s only just begun – the first month of a four-year term.
But we can emerge with clarity, integrity and class. We need to come away from this with backbone. Somewhere for the shivers to land.
Emily Maitlis is a journalist, broadcaster and host of the podcast The News Agents.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Keir Starmer needs to find his backbone – and stand up to Trump )
Also on site :