Why Does Trump Still Bow to Putin? - 9.18.2025

Thomas Friedman’s recent column asks a question that America’s allies are already asking: Why does Donald Trump still bow to Vladimir Putin? Despite Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine and ongoing threats to NATO, Trump has never once held Putin accountable. Instead, he echoes Kremlin talking points and shows admiration for an authoritarian strongman who seeks to undermine Western democracy.

This silence is not lost on our allies. They see a U.S. leader who once weakened NATO, praised Putin’s “genius,” and continues to give him political cover. They are left to wonder: Is Trump compromised, intimidated, or simply drawn to authoritarian rule?

Whatever the reason, the effect is the same—Trump undermines U.S. credibility and weakens global confidence in America’s commitment to freedom. At a time when democratic nations must stand together, his deference to Putin sends exactly the wrong message.