Trump is the ultimate political pragmatist

Trump's Ukraine Peace Plan: A Pragmatic Victory or a Risky Gamble?

Trump is the ultimate political pragmatist

Despite the still uncertain fate of his proposed Ukraine peace plan, US President Donald Trump has undeniably secured some significant political wins lately. And whether you love him or hate him, these wins underscore one thing: Trump is the ultimate political pragmatist.

Let's face it, Trump's been getting hammered, even by his own base. Since taking office (again), he’s faced a barrage of criticism, largely centered around his apparent failure to resolve the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine – key promises he made on the campaign trail. This perceived inability to deliver has certainly alienated a segment of his core MAGA supporters. I've seen it myself at rallies; the enthusiasm just isn't quite what it was.

And the pressure is coming from all sides. Even Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a staunch ally, has broadened her attacks, now condemning Trump's association with Jeffrey Epstein (again, something that's been around for years) and demanding the release of Justice Department documents related to the Epstein investigation. Talk about a full-court press! This domestic firestorm has only fueled Trump's renewed efforts to resolve the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, highlighting the interconnectedness of his domestic and foreign policy agendas – something politicians often ignore.

Trump recently brokered a temporary peace agreement in Gaza. Now, it's unlikely to fully satisfy either the Palestinians or the Netanyahu government, let's be honest. But it has gained acceptance from Arab states, Russia, China, and the United Nations – a feat the Biden administration couldn't manage due to its seemingly unwavering support for the Netanyahu government. That's a pretty big deal, no matter how you slice it. Sometimes, just getting everyone to the table is half the battle.

Regarding Ukraine, Trump has consistently sought to end the conflict, even going so far as to promise to resolve it "within 24 hours" during his campaign (a promise that, let's be real, was never going to happen). Initial efforts stalled due to Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky's perceived inflexibility and the continued support of the UK, France, Germany, and the EU for prolonging the conflict. But now, Trump's much-discussed 28-point peace plan, announced last week, may actually be on the verge of resolving this devastating three-year conflict. It's a bold move, to be sure.

This potential resolution, which seemed completely unattainable under Biden's administration because of its steadfast support for the Zelensky regime and its proxy war with Russia, really highlights Trump's pragmatic approach. Even his domestic agenda, while often described as illiberal, is also marked by some unexpected endorsements, such as the recent, and frankly bizarre, endorsement of New York's "communist" mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Go figure.

Trump's determination to end the Ukraine conflict seems to stem from his unwavering belief in "the art of cutting a deal," rather than any deep understanding of the region's complex history or the long-term implications of NATO expansion. Despite facing opposition from within his own party (including outgoing special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg and, until recently, even Secretary of State Marco Rubio), Trump entrusted negotiations to Steve Witkoff, his special envoy to Russia. Witkoff, a wealthy property developer just like Trump, is, above all else, a pragmatist. And that, perhaps, explains the criticism and attempts by some European supporters of Ukraine to exclude him from negotiations.

Ultimately, Trump's potential success in resolving the Ukraine conflict hinges on a convergence of circumstances, including Russia's substantial military gains (controlling approximately one-sixth of the country) and the increasing depletion of Ukraine's military forces. It’s a high-stakes gamble, but if it pays off, it will cement Trump's image as the ultimate dealmaker – a reputation he clearly cherishes.