'Crumpled': George Will Condemns Trump's 'Insipid' Obedience to Putin

Trump's Diplomatic Moves and the Shadow of Jeffrey Epstein

For several days, U.S. President Donald Trump managed to shift the media spotlight away from the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein by engaging in high-profile diplomatic meetings. These included a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, August 15, and a subsequent encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House Oval Office on Monday, August 18.

A Critical Perspective from George Will

Never Trump conservative George Will offered a sharp critique of Trump’s meeting with Putin in a biting column published in the Washington Post on August 18. In his analysis, Will expressed disappointment that Putin appeared to be the more assertive leader during their discussion.

Will described Trump as "flaccid as a boned fish," suggesting that he yielded more quickly than even Putin might have expected. He pointed out that the former KGB agent, who is currently facing charges for war crimes, did not feel the need to negotiate with what he perceived as a "man-child." According to Will, Trump’s demands—such as a 50-day deadline, a 10-day deadline, "severe consequences," and a ceasefire before negotiations—were essentially empty rhetoric.

The Ukraine Conflict and Trump’s Ambitions

Trump had hoped that his meeting with Putin in Anchorage would result in an agreement on a ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. However, the bombing of Ukraine continued after the two leaders left Alaska. This development underscored the stark contrast between Trump's desire to end the war and Putin's apparent determination to win it.

Will noted that the meeting clarified a significant point: Putin wants to win the war, while Trump wants to end it. He referenced George Orwell’s observation that the quickest way to end a war is to lose it. During the meeting, Putin seemed unbothered by the attention he received, which Will interpreted as a sign that he already understood Trump's weaknesses.

Historical Parallels and Warnings

Will drew historical parallels, comparing Putin to Hitler, who once dismissed his enemies as "little worms" during a speech in 1939. He warned that the United States faces a greater threat from an enemy's contempt than from their hatred, as it can lead to recklessness and intransigence.

The columnist also expressed concern about Putin's desire to restore the former glory of the Soviet Union. He argued that Trump's actions in Anchorage gave Putin a strategic advantage. Will emphasized that the U.S. needs to recognize its stake in the outcome of conflicts involving nuclear powers with strong ideological beliefs.

A Call for Vigilance

In his column, Will reflected on the historical relationship between the U.S. and Europe, referencing a speech by Britain's prime minister in 1940 when he anticipated the day when the New World would come to the rescue of the old. Now, he suggested, it is the Old World's turn to help the United States.

He urged the nation to be vigilant against the dangers posed by a leader who holds extreme views and could potentially destabilize global relations. Will concluded that the U.S. must take action to prevent such scenarios from unfolding.

Additional Commentary and Reactions

Other voices in the media have echoed similar concerns. For instance, some critics have highlighted the potential risks associated with Trump's leadership style and decisions. Ex-CIA director Michael Hayden remarked that Putin appeared to have a stronger hand during the meeting with Trump, while a former Bush speechwriter criticized Trump for undermining America's international standing.

These discussions reflect a broader debate about the implications of Trump's foreign policy decisions and the need for a more robust approach to dealing with global challenges.