The Trump administration’s decision to side with Russia, North Korea, Belarus, and Hungary at the United Nations has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with lawmakers, military officials, and foreign policy experts calling it a stunning betrayal of American values.
In a shocking shift from years of U.S. policy, Trump’s White House voted against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—leaving the U.S. isolated from its longtime European allies and aligned with authoritarian regimes instead.
“We used to fight the Axis of Evil. Now we’ve joined them,” said Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) in disbelief.
Trump’s UN Blunder: A Gift to Putin?
The UN resolution, which called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, was backed by 93 nations—including most of America’s traditional allies. But instead of standing with Europe, Trump chose to align with Russia.
JUST IN:
The UN has adopted Ukraine’s resolution condemning Russian aggression and demanding the immediate withdrawal of Putin’s forces, marking the war’s third anniversary.
The U.S. joined Russia, North Korea, Belarus, and Hungary in opposing the resolution. pic.twitter.com/gvGtCkle2q
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) February 24, 2025
Even China and Iran abstained, but Trump’s U.S. actively voted against Ukraine.
“Unsurprising but still stunning,” said Wall Street Journal Chief Foreign-Affairs Correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov. “Even Iran and China wouldn’t go this far, but Trump did.”
For critics, the question isn’t just why Trump made this choice—but what’s in it for him?
“At some point, you have to start to wonder—what’s in it for Trump?” asked Alexander Vindman, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who famously testified against Trump’s Ukraine dealings.
“Trump seems totally fine with Russia winning and the U.S. losing. Why is he so hard up to serve Putin?” Vindman continued.
‘A Disgrace for Our Nation’—Veterans and Diplomats Speak Out
Even former U.S. diplomats and military veterans expressed disgust and embarrassment over Trump’s decision.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Steven Pifer, who has followed U.S. foreign policy for over 45 years, called this moment one of the worst he’s ever seen.
“Hard to think of a two-week period over those 45 years during which U.S. policy was more dismaying, embarrassing, appalling, and disgusting,” Pifer wrote.
Paul Rieckhoff, founder of Independent Veterans of America, agreed, calling Trump’s move a national disgrace:
“On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Trump has put America firmly on the side of the bad guys. Americans are embarrassed, our allies are stunned, and #OurEnemiesAreCelebrating.”
Even Some Republicans Are Alarmed
While most GOP leaders stayed silent, Tennessee Senate Democratic Minority Leader Jeff Yarbro challenged them directly:
“Republicans, y’all gotta start paying attention. The United States switched sides & voted with Russia, North Korea & Belarus to have Putin’s back. It’s a f*ing disgrace. Screw up your courage & stand up for the principles your party had for most of the last century.”
Even Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) called out Trump’s dangerous foreign policy blunders, saying:
“Donald Trump just betrayed our democratic allies and aligned the United States with North Korea, Russia, and Hungary. If he wants to ‘make America great,’ he can start by keeping us the hell away from these dictatorships.”
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