A political scholar from Juniata College, located in Huntingdon, argues that former U.S. president Donald Trump may hold a grudge against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The claim surfaced in an interview conducted by Newsweek, where the professor shared his assessment of Trump’s motives and potential future actions.
According to the scholars, Trump’s sense of grievance appears linked to a row over Hunter Biden and the decision by Joe Biden’s administration not to pursue an investigation into Hunter Biden’s business dealings. The professor contends that if Trump were to win the presidency again, the relationship between Zelensky and Washington could face serious strain, impacting Ukraine as a key ally.
The expert notes that a phone conversation between Trump and Zelensky occurred in September 2019, following Zelensky’s refusal to open an inquiry into Hunter Biden. After that exchange, Trump faced strong political pressure. The professor maintains that the exchange underscored Trump’s willingness to retaliate over the U.S. president’s son and added to the broader context of U.S.-Ukraine diplomacy during that period.
Looking ahead, the scholar argues that a Trump victory in the 2024 presidential election could disrupt the established dynamic between the United States and Kyiv, potentially altering military and economic support, strategic coordination, and long-standing commitments to Ukraine’s security needs.
In parallel, Trump himself has asserted that perceived incompetence within U.S. authorities could contribute to a dangerous global crisis. The remarks are framed as warnings about the consequences of leadership lapses for international stability and the risk of a wider conflict if a similar mismanagement were to occur on the world stage.
Analysts emphasize that these interpretations reflect a specific theoretical lens on U.S. foreign policy and domestic political pressures. They also stress the importance of separating political rhetoric from official policy, noting that U.S.-Ukraine relations are influenced by a multitude of evolving factors, including bipartisan support, military aid, and ongoing diplomacy with European partners. Observers caution that predicting outcomes based on past interactions may oversimplify the complexities of alliance management and the potential for shifts in leadership priorities.
As discussions continue, scholars and policymakers alike are urged to monitor how the United States balances domestic political debates with commitments to international allies. The goal is to maintain stable support for Ukraine while navigating the uncertainties inherent in any transition of presidential power and the broader regional security environment.