When was the last time a “foreign policy expert” was actually right on foreign policy? Between the late-night shows, talk shows, roundtable discussions, and panels, dozens of pundits have made a living proclaiming expertise on major global issues, yet no one has been correct on a single issue for the past decade (at least). Ironically—or hilariously—they all, without fail, claim that President Trump would be a nefarious force in the pursuit of peace, yet he is by far the most adept at achieving it.
Trump recently held a pivotal summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, engaging in direct talks aimed at de-escalating the war in Ukraine. Days later, he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside European leaders in the Oval Office, where they pored over maps and discussed security guarantees and potential peace terms. These high-stakes meetings highlight Trump’s ability to convene adversaries and move toward resolutions where others have stalled, offering a stark contrast to the foreign policy challenges inherited from the Biden administration with all of their “experts.”
The Biden years left a trail of international disarray, particularly in Ukraine. Under Biden, the U.S. poured over $113 billion into the conflict with little oversight, prolonging a war that began with Russia’s 2022 invasion. Weak leadership, personified by the disastrous pullout from Afghanistan, emboldened aggressors globally, from Eastern Europe to the Middle East. Trump, however, has taken a different approach. By wielding economic leverage, military deterrence, and personal diplomacy, he’s addressing the chaos left behind. The Alaska summit forced Putin to engage directly, while the Oval Office talks brought European leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni to Washington, signaling serious momentum toward peace. Trump’s strategy—avoiding open-ended aid or U.S. troop deployments—has reframed the conversation, prioritizing results over rhetoric.
Trump’s efforts in Ukraine stand out for their progress. The Alaska summit shifted dynamics, with Putin reportedly acknowledging the war’s toll (and that the war would not have started had Trump been President in 2022). The follow-up with Zelensky and European leaders focused on practical steps: security assurances, potential NATO pathways, and territorial compromises. Trump’s willingness to acknowledge Russia’s control of roughly 20% of Ukraine as a starting point, while controversial, reflects a realistic approach to negotiations. Unlike Biden’s policy of unchecked funding, which extended the conflict, Trump’s method applies pressure to all sides, pushing for a deal without exhausting American resources. European allies, initially hesitant, now see Trump as a catalyst for resolution.
Democrats’ claims that Trump is a “Putin puppet” are increasingly untenable. In 2016, Hillary Clinton labeled Trump a “puppet” during a debate, accusing him of aligning with Putin’s interests. More recently, in February 2025, Rep. Seth Moulton called Trump a “coward” and reiterated the puppet narrative. These accusations crumble under scrutiny. Trump’s first-term sanctions on Russia were tougher than Obama’s, and his energy policies undercut Moscow’s economy. His recent summit with Putin wasn’t capitulation—it was a power move that brought Europe to the table within days. The first thing Putin saw after meeting with Trump in Alaska was a B2 bomber, the same model that just demolished Iran’s nuclear arsenal, flying overhead. This was a clear sign to Putin that America can strike at any point anywhere in the world. Putin, in statements to the press, showed far more deference to Trump than vice versa. This “puppet” accusation has always been a lie, but now it’s just pathetic.
Another lie that has hounded every Trump campaign is that he would cause war, yet he has been the greatest peacemaking President in modern history. In the last six months alone, he’s brokered significant agreements globally. In August, he oversaw a peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, securing transit rights in the South Caucasus. In June, he mediated a truce between Israel and Iran after a significant show of force in the famed “12-Day War.” July saw progress in easing India-Pakistan border tensions, while interventions in the Democratic Republic of Congo helped secure ceasefires with Rwanda. Trump has claimed to resolve “six wars” since taking office, a pace of roughly one per month. These achievements rely on American influence—diplomatic and economic—without entangling U.S. forces, which is truly “America First.”
Trump’s first term laid the groundwork for his current success. During that period, Russia refrained from major invasions, China tempered its South China Sea ambitions, North Korea paused missile tests after summits, and Iran faced stringent sanctions that curbed its aggression. The Abraham Accords, normalizing ties between Israel and several Arab states, marked a historic win. These gains unraveled under Biden: Russia invaded Ukraine, China grew bolder, North Korea resumed tests, and Iran advanced its nuclear program. Had Kamala Harris won in 2024, this trajectory of weakness might have continued. Trump’s return has reinstated a posture of strength, deterring adversaries through clear-eyed diplomacy.
Democrats, by contrast, have a history of missteps with Russia. In 2009, Hillary Clinton’s “reset” button with Moscow, famously mistranslated as “overcharged,” symbolized a flawed approach that led to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. In 2012, President Obama was caught on a hot mic promising Russian President Dmitry Medvedev “more flexibility” on missile defense after his re-election, a moment that basically opened the door for Medvedev’s puppet master, Putin. (Yes, Putin is a puppet master—but Trump is not one of his puppets.)
Trump’s leadership is yielding tangible results, and the prospect of ending the Ukraine war feels closer than ever. Preparations for a potential Zelensky-Putin meeting suggest a deal may be on the horizon. By prioritizing American strength and direct engagement, Trump is reshaping global dynamics. His approach—unafraid of tough talks or unconventional settings like Alaska—demonstrates that decisive leadership can achieve what endless aid packages cannot. Trump has been a peacemaker throughout both his presidencies, and he certainly deserves the recognition that comes with it.
Moshe Hill is a political analyst and columnist. His work can be found at www.aHillwithaView.com and on X at @HillWithView.