The world stopped on 28 February when it witnessed the showdown between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Within a matter of minutes, X was flooded with outraged responses from world leaders, strong statements of solidarity with Ukraine, but also a storm of messages of support for Trump and Vance, with an Alabama Senator calling Zelensky “that Ukrainian weasel.” Trump was also applauded by Russian politicians like Dmitry Medvedev, saying that he had given Ukraine a “strong slap on the wrist.”
There was much speculation as to whether the debacle was orchestrated. Sources close to the White House claim that it had not, yet many believe otherwise.
Experts point to gestures made during the conference between the journalists, and Trump and Vance. Trump’s later comments that he is “not aligned with anybody,” only the US, and that the exchange would “make good television,” suggest that the ambush might have been aimed at an American audience, to show his strength and commitment to the interests of the American people above all else.
Yet, the focus on trying to determine whether the debacle was orchestrated or not is misplaced. Whether it was planned or not, the consequences are the same and they illustrate an unprecedented moment in foreign policy and diplomacy.
There has been a dramatic shift in diplomacy, the years of etiquette and mutual respect between world leaders are gone, replaced by shouting matches and insults. Vance repeatedly telling Zelensky that he is ungrateful, criticising him for not wearing a suit, and accusing him of organising “propaganda tours.”
As shocking and disillusioning as the event was to most international spectators, it was not entirely unexpected. Rather, it should be seen as a continuation of Vance’s open criticism of American allies. During the Munich Security Conference, which took place 14-16 February, Vance accused European leaders of limiting free speech and undermining democracy.
The attack was also symbolic of the USA’s shift towards prioritising national interests and stepping back from its role as global policeman. Mere hours after the confrontation the American flag on a black backdrop with big bold white letters spelling out “America First” was posted to the official White House Instagram account.
The attack in the Oval Office, and Vance’s speech in Munich, coupled together represent a terrifying future for Europe – one in which the isolationism for which Vance has long advocated – is becoming a central point of Trump’s second term in office.
It is not typical for a VP to engage in a meeting between two heads of state in such a direct manner. Vance’s increasing prominence is therefore also worth our attention.
It might suggest that Trumpism may outlive Trump and is here to stay. Vance, despite openly calling himself anti-Trump in 2016, and his vastly different background, has adopted typical MAGA rhetoric.
Vance’s move from openly criticising Trump to becoming his VP and embracing his style of politics can be seen as cynical and careerist. But it is also demonstrates that he sees Trumpism as the most effective and popular strategy, suggesting that getting Trump out of office will not be enough to change, perhaps a now permanently altered, American political culture.
Illustration by Jack Snaddon