NEWS

For the last 80 years the United States has been the leader of the free world. Donald Trump has
destroyed that in two weeks. It started with the disastrous meeting with Zelensky in the Oval
Office on Feb. 28 where he blamed Ukraine for starting the war.

There had been hint earlier, as Trump called Zelensky, the democratically elected president of
Ukraine, a dictator, but declined to give the same label to Putin. Since then, Trump has halted
all funding to Ukraine and has stopped sharing intelligence with them leading to more strikes by
the Russians and more Ukrainian deaths.

Trump also has indicated that he might not honor Article 5 of the NATO agreement if any
European country was attacked. This has led European leaders to doubt our reliability. Just
recently, March 11, the army chiefs of NATO, the EU, Japan, and Australia met in Paris to assess
options about Ukrainian security. The United States was not invited.

Trump shows every indication of siding with Putin in any negotiations about the war, as he
continually spouts Russian propaganda about it. The truth is, he wants to be like Putin and is
doing everything here in this country to grab the power that belongs to Congress and the
courts.

Also, Donald Trump’s on again, off again, then on again tariffs on other countries especially our
closest allies and neighbors is doing nothing for our reputation as a reliable trading partner.
Trade wars do nothing but raise prices and hurt everyone including us.

One of the greatest strengths of the United States has been its many alliances and friendships
with countries all over the world. The strength of these alliances helps defend democracy here
and abroad with the goal of preserving peace. Now, it is America First, which is America alone.
That will be a very lonely and dangerous place.

Ann Branham
Defiance