In the heart of the Vatican, Donald Trump made his diplomatic ambitions clear, igniting a storm of criticism, praise, and media controversy.
At a Glance
- Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the Vatican to discuss peace efforts
- Trump harshly criticized Biden’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict
- Trump aired grievances against The New York Times and Peter Baker on Truth Social
- Polls show voters divided but many agree the war escalated under Biden
Trump’s Rome Diplomacy
Donald Trump’s visit to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral also served as a platform for his diplomacy. As reported by The New York Times, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, positioning himself as a would-be peacemaker—a role he argues Biden has failed to fulfill.
Using Truth Social to broadcast his views, Trump blasted The New York Times and reporter Peter Baker for allegedly distorting his diplomatic efforts. Trump stressed that the war in Ukraine would never have escalated if he were still President, blaming Biden’s foreign policy for the bloodshed.
Watch Trump’s remarks during his Rome visit at Trump Criticizes Biden’s Foreign Policy.
Criticism and Polls
Throughout his visit, Trump emphasized that Biden, not he, owns the Ukraine conflict. “This is Sleepy Joe Biden’s War, not mine,” Trump wrote, stating it “should have never happened,” as quoted by Townhall.
He further accused Peter Baker of twisting the narrative, noting, “No matter what deal I make with respect to Russia/Ukraine, no matter how good it is, even if it’s the greatest deal ever made, The Failing New York Times will speak BADLY of it.” Trump’s frustration highlights his ongoing feud with legacy media outlets over the portrayal of his foreign policy credentials.
Polls cited during Trump’s trip suggest that a significant portion of voters agree the war likely would have been avoided under his administration—strengthening his case as the 2024 campaign heats up.
Exploring Next Steps
While Trump has been vague about the specifics, he floated measures like “Banking” and “Secondary Sanctions” to pressure Russia into negotiations. According to Townhall, Trump maintains that his diplomatic style, often criticized as brash, would ultimately deliver results faster than Biden’s strategies.
Republican leaders continue to echo calls for stronger sanctions and decisive action against Moscow, aligning with Trump’s broader critique of Biden’s foreign policy failures. Trump’s Vatican meeting underscored not just a tribute to the late pope but also a strategic step to reposition himself on the global stage as a negotiator capable of ending the conflict—a narrative that could define the coming election cycle.
