Kickin' It With Fascism

Learning to grovel

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walked into the Oval Office to negotiate continued military support from the USA to help Ukraine defend itself from an illegal Russian invasion. What he actually walked into was an ambush.

Zelensky arrived to negotiate a minerals deal because Trump has a history of extorting Ukraine. Within ten minutes of the meeting, he was being berated, not just by Trump but by JD Vance. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was trying to shrink himself silently into the couch, which is risky considering that JD was on that same couch.

Trump and Vance believed they came off as strong men, but instead, they looked like irrational, cowardly bullies. Was a tag team necessary to bully the leader of a nation currently being bombed by a larger fascist neighbor?

Remember in A Christmas Story that Scott Farkus, the bully with yellow eyes, always had his little minion with him. That was Trump and Vance yesterday. At least Farkus grew up to be a nice guy, probably because Ralphie kicked his ass. I think this means Trump needs a literal ass kicking. Any volunteers? The line starts behind me.

First, Trump was annoyed that Zelensky wore his typical drab military uniform. As Trump greeted him, he said, “Oh, you’re all dressed up,” which probably isn’t something he ever said to Elon Musk before he walked into the White House with his black T-shirt and MAGA cap.

A reporter from a right-wing outlet Trump selected to attend asked Zelensky why he wasn’t wearing a suit, something I’m sure the reporter would never ask Elon Musk.

“I will wear a costume after this war will finish, yes,” Zelensky said in English, which was good because Trump just made that our “official” language. “Maybe something like yours, yes, maybe something better. I don’t know, we will see. Maybe something cheaper. Thank you.”

The discussion in the Oval Office took a weird turn about 40 minutes into the conversation when Vance said to Zelensky, “The path to peace and the path to prosperity is maybe engaging in diplomacy,” which was brutally stupid since this administration hasn’t publicly asked Putin, the aggressor, to engage in diplomacy.

Zelensky asked, “What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about? What – what do you have – what do you – what do you mean?” he asked incredulously.

JD said, “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.” JD was talking about he kind of diplomacy where Ukraine gives Russia everything it wants.

Then, JD said, “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media. You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”

If Zelensky wanted to push them over the edge, he could have said, “I’ve thanked President Biden on numerous occasions for trying to bring an end to this conflict.

Maybe JD Vance should be engaging in diplomacy because this wasn’t it. Then, Trump jumped in. Trump was angry. He was taking the cue he and JD had settled on earlier. It was a script.

The Barking Yam yammed at Zelensky, “You don’t have the cards right now,” talking right over Zelensky when he objected. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” he shouted. “You’re gambling with World War III.” Trump doesn’t have any cards either because he gave all of his to Putin.

Trump canceled a joint press conference with Zelensky and kicked him out of the White House. He later stated that Zelensky wants to continue the war that Putin started, leaving the part out about Putin starting it.

Lindsey Graham demanded that Zelensky apologize, and other Republicans sent similar statements. However, the rest of the world stood by Ukraine’s side.

Trump also argued how he and Putin were victims of the “Russia hoax” and went through it together, which is Donald Trump admitting there was collusion. If they went through that together, then they probably stole the 2016 election together as well.

Trump posted online after the meeting that Zelensky can’t come back until he wants peace, but Trump has also talked about inviting the guy who started the war and has bombed hospitals, elementary schools, and playgrounds.

Zelensky didn’t do anything wrong yesterday. He even thanked Trump and the United States after the meeting. Then, he flew to the United Kingdom to meet with a leader who understands that democracies should stick together instead of siding with fascist liars.

Republicans are celebrating this, not realizing it embarrassed our nation. Donald Trump, who gives away the cards to Putin, showed the world that America can be as weak and petty as he is.

Nations have reputations. America now has a reputation that it can’t be trusted. The American National anthem was booed at a wrestling event in Toronto tonight. Get used to the boos.

I’m glad I have a passport.

Creative note: I have a very busy Saturday. I met a very lovely reader of mine who was passing through town and bought me lunch. I finished this cartoon at home, then I finished a second cartoon, this one for the FXBG Advance. I drew it at Starbucks because I’m always a little drained after drawing a cartoon, but changing my scenery for a second cartoon gives me more enthusiasm. And then I came home with a Jimmy John’s sandwich, destroyed it, then wrote this blog. It’s almost 9 p.m. now. It’s Saturday, right?

Drawn in 30 seconds:

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