President Donald Trump made it clear on Monday that his vision for U.S. involvement in Ukraine is dramatically different from the blank-check policy of his predecessor. Speaking to reporters at the White House after announcing a major investment deal with microchip manufacturer TSMC, Trump fielded questions about his stalled rare earth minerals agreement with Ukraine. His message? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needs to show more appreciation, and the United States needs to start making smarter deals.
Trump wasted no time highlighting the lopsided nature of Western aid to Ukraine, pointing out that while the United States has poured in at least $350 billion, European countries—who have far more at stake geographically—have contributed significantly less. Worse yet, European support has largely come in the form of secured loans, meaning they will get their money back, while Biden simply handed over U.S. taxpayer dollars without conditions.
“And I’m not knocking Europe. I’m saying that just — they were a lot smarter than Joe Biden, because Joe Biden didn’t have a clue. He just gave money hand-over-fist,” Trump explained. “So when I saw that, which I’ve known about for a little while, I said, ‘It’s time for us to be smart.’”
REPORTER: What do you need to see from President Zelenskyy to restart these negotiations? @POTUS: “I just think he should be more appreciative because this country has stuck with them through thick and thin. We’ve given them much more than Europe… I want all of those young… pic.twitter.com/k8NEem5ter
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 3, 2025
That smarter approach includes leveraging U.S. financial support into a strategic presence on the ground in Ukraine. Trump’s minerals deal would not only help fuel American industry, but also ensure that U.S. interests were represented in Ukraine’s long-term economic recovery. Instead of an endless drain on taxpayer dollars, the agreement was designed as a mutually beneficial investment—one that could bring stability while also creating value for America.
Beyond financial concerns, Trump emphasized what he believes should be the highest priority: stopping the unnecessary loss of life. He cited the staggering number of casualties, with 2,700 Ukrainian and Russian soldiers killed just last week alone.
“With all of that being said, I want one thing to happen. I want all of those young people to stop being killed. They’re being killed by the thousands every single week,” Trump said. “And I want to see it stop.”
Unlike the Biden administration’s strategy, which seems focused on prolonging the war with endless military aid, Trump is calling for a shift toward negotiation. He isn’t suggesting Ukraine surrender—but he is acknowledging a simple truth: The current situation is unsustainable, and continuing down this path benefits no one but the defense contractors cashing in on endless conflict.
.@POTUS: “President Zelenskyy supposedly made a statement today — He said he thinks the war is going to go on for a long time and he better not be right about that. That’s all I’m saying.” pic.twitter.com/Ndt14mTWgi
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 3, 2025
Trump also took issue with Zelensky’s recent comment that the end of the war is “very, very far away.” The remark, reported by the Associated Press, didn’t sit well with Trump, who blasted Zelensky’s attitude as counterproductive and potentially dangerous.
“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” Trump declared. “It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be peace as long as he has America’s backing.”
Trump’s assessment aligns with a growing sentiment that Ukraine, emboldened by billions in U.S. aid, has little incentive to negotiate an end to the war. European leaders, as Trump noted, have already admitted that they cannot sustain support for Ukraine without the United States. That reality puts Washington in the driver’s seat—if it chooses to take control of the situation instead of being dragged along by Kyiv’s demands.
