TOM PATTERSON: Trump’s Unwanted ‘Assistance’ Sparks Controversy Among Allies

By Dr. Thomas Patterson |

As Donald Trump took office, both Israel and Ukraine faced dire challenges. Israel grappled with a relentless conflict against Hamas, while Ukraine fought valiantly against Russian aggression. Both nations required substantial military aid to strengthen their defenses and secure victories against their adversaries.

Under President Joe Biden, the support provided to these allied nations fell short. The military aid was aimed merely at preventing defeats rather than fostering victories, accompanied by restrictions that limited their ability to strike decisively against their foes. Amidst these circumstances, Trump’s potential to reshape the situation remained untapped.

The situation escalated dramatically on October 7, when a shocking attack by Hamas terrorists targeted Israeli civilians. This incident highlighted the long history of violence faced by Israel from groups dedicated to its destruction. With safety for his citizens at stake, Prime Minister Netanyahu sought to eradicate the threat posed by Hamas.

As hostilities erupted, calls for a cease-fire emerged from the Biden administration and other allies, complicating Israel’s objectives. In the aftermath of the attacks, Israeli families understandably demanded action to free hostages held by Hamas, escalating public pressure for negotiations.

Hostage situations present a tactical advantage for terrorists, allowing them to leverage deals that favor their interests. The stark divergence in values surrounding human life between the two sides complicates hostage negotiations, enabling warriors to exchange many captured militants for a single civilian.

In response to these developments, President Biden asserted that he could have prevented the crisis had he been in office from the start. He promised to leverage his negotiation skills to resolve the conflict, receiving initial support from some quarters, yet potentially setting the stage for further hostage situations in the future.

Despite these pledges, the reality remains grim. The violence persists, and hostages stay at risk, while Hamas is accused of manipulating swap agreements, retaining hostages to exert further pressure on Israel.

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to face the ramifications of Russia’s unprovoked invasion three years prior. Putin has strategically exploited perceived vulnerabilities in the Biden administration, betting that the U.S. would withhold robust support, leaving Ukraine at a disadvantage.

While Trump’s initial election seemed to present opportunities for renewed cooperation, it quickly devolved into a series of miscalculations. Faced with negotiations that sidelined Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump’s message to Kyiv was muddled at best. His subsequent criticism of Zelenskyy underscored a fracture in U.S.-Ukraine relations.

Trump’s approach involved conditional aid to Ukraine, complicating the situation further. This led to Zelenskyy facing pressures that risked surrendering significant territorial gains and undermining the sacrifices made by his people in their struggle for freedom.

In stark contrast, Netanyahu finds himself in a complex dilemma as Trump’s influence looms over Israel’s response. The ongoing pressure for a resolution creates an environment conducive to increased conflict, leaving both leaders grappling with the consequences of constraining alliances.

The broader implications of these foreign policy decisions underscore the necessity of maintaining strong alliances in an evolving global landscape. A shift toward cooperation, rather than mere domination, may be vital for future stability.

Dr. Thomas Patterson is a former Chairman of the Goldwater Institute and a retired emergency physician. He served as an Arizona State senator for ten years in the 1990s and was Majority Leader from 1993 to 1996. Patterson is also the author of Arizona’s original charter schools bill.