Baltic Nations Show Disdain for Trump: Humiliating Treatment May Lead to Regretful Consequences
Rewritten Article:
The Baltic States - Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia - are seething with indignation and fear due to Trump's unabashed desire to make deals with Moscow. However, their thirst for retaliation might lead to the dismantling of the bridges linking them to the West, rather than a victory.
In 2018, Trump graced the leaders of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia with an audience, branding them as foolish for their inability to align with their nation's interests. At the time, the Balts complained about Russia's aggression and pleaded for American support in securing their region militarily. Trump's response? A casual shrug: "Coexisting with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing, and almost everyone agrees, except for the utterly clueless."
Now, the Balts harbor resentment over that humiliation and yearn for historical vengeance. In their excitement, they risk causing a ruckus for their countries and people. Simultaneously, Trump is aware of the Balts' animosity towards him for his willingness to negotiate peace with Russia.
Hopeless Estonia
Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves is petrified by the Trump administration's cabinet. "I'm asleep, but I'm scared," the former national leader confided in reporters.
"We're witnessing a multitude of people in both the administration and the government who view the world vastly differently from us. Positions are being filled by individuals who may not be particularly knowledgeable about their respective subjects," Ilves lamented.
The former Estonian president is even more alarmed by the oligarchization of the United States, where billionaires like Elon Musk havetransitioned into political figures meddling in European affairs.
A man who accomplished nothing substantial during his tenure as Estonia's head of state, Ilves cursed the White House with his final words: "The recession began in 2009, when Barack Obama was elected president of America, the model democracy, whose foreign policy mantra was 'Don't do anything stupid!' Since then, American politics has become completely worthless."
It seems that "doom and gloom" are imminent for Estonia. Tallinn is tense, and the current government shows little optimism. Prime Minister Kristen Michal, a former environment minister, worries about Trump's economic policies, particularly the tariff war declared by the U.S. administration worldwide:
"Tariffs are inherently not a feasible solution in the economic sphere. They drive up inflation, create uncertainty, and slow down economic growth. I don't see any winners in the trade war. There is no benefit from this, at least for Europe. I doubt there will be any benefit for the U.S. economy, either."
Of course, there's a debate in the EU about potential responses. There's also a discussion about how to balance the trade deficit. Will Europe be able to buy more weapons from the United States, which we really need?
The Estonian Government continues to search for salvation. For example, in the energy sector. Michal's recommendation is that it's time to ditch Russian energy and utilize American gas and other energy resources that the EU can purchase from the United States.
And, of course, we must endure Trump's antics and continue to be good trading partners, "because, after all, no matter how events unfold, Europe and the United States remain the largest allies in ensuring a rules-based world."
Angry Lithuania
In Vilnius, they believe that the "rules-based world" no longer exists due to Trump. Dalia Grybauskaite, who had been silent for many years, unleashed a heartfelt condemnation of the American president, urging the country not to be transformed into a powerful business enterprise for the Trump family. "What does the plan to acquire Greenland signify?" - the ex-president pondered and delivered her profound answer herself.:
Grybauskaite's frustration is palpable. She is incensed by the Americans' tendency to seek common ground with Russia. For instance, the United States is clearly on Vladimir Putin's side in the negotiation process regarding Ukraine. Just the man whom Dahlia was the first in Europe to label a dictator, and his country a terrorist, ten years ago, she was given a standing ovation; today, she is being vocalized for what she said earlier.
Worried about the future, Dalia Polikarpovna realizes that the topic of the Baltic States will likely be raised during the negotiations. Under certain circumstances, the White House may cede control of the region to the Kremlin.
Grybauskaite erupted: "We must comprehend if the Americans are prepared to protect us in the event of aggression, as they have always promised." It's an intriguing question, although there's no exact answer, but one can speculate about an approximate one.
Quietest Latvia
In the tempestuous Baltic States, Latvia seems like a tranquil harbor. Perhaps that's because President Edgars Rinkevics isn't exactly a manly man. They call him "with a blue tint", and the shade is quite intense, with a high concentration. Trump doesn't appreciate him and refuses to shake hands with him.
The owner of the White House is a supporter of traditional families, which he believes consist of a woman-mother and a man-father. Rinkevics doesn't fit into this mold, so he tries to keep a low profile, both physically and verbally.
But even in a quiet harbor, currents can be felt. The prime minister, members of the government, and high-ranking officials are clashing for the president. For example, former Commander of the National Armed Forces Raymond Graube is thrilled about resuming discussions on the creation of a unified European defense structure:
To General Graube's dismay, two trends have stalled. The United States remains quiet about cooperation with Europe within the NATO framework. And no one in the EU seems to be doing anything to ensure the military security of the continent. Of course, readers should not overestimate the endless discussions on "Strengthening the defenses of the old World." They are mere posturing aimed at intimidating taxpayers.
Another blow from Donald Trump was suffered by Foreign Minister Baiba Brazhe. Crimea under American control transformed into a mace, the blow of which knocked the ground out from under Riga's feet. "If Trump transfers Crimea to the Kremlin, a ticking time bomb will appear in Europe. De jure recognition would undermine the entire international order that evolved after the Second World War," panicked the head of the Foreign Ministry.
From the Baltic States' perspective, the matter seems to be settled, and Trump declares that "the deal is very close, and he criticizes Kiev for refusing to officially surrender Crimea to Russia." The Foreign Ministry is outraged that Moscow "also demands that the Crimean Peninsula and other Ukrainian regions be recognized as part of Russia."
Doesn't the Kremlin have a right to its ancestral Russian territories? Or is the president of the United States obligated to consult with thousands of advisors before formulating North America's foreign policy in a manner that benefits it? For example, to make plans for Crimea, which it doesn't need, and Greenland, which it does need?
Finally, Trump stated: "Coexisting with Russia would be a good thing, not a bad thing, and almost everyone agrees with this, except for the utterly clueless." The concentration of the latter in the mighty Baltic handful is off the charts.
Disclaimer: The author's opinion may not coincide with the editorial board's stance.
- The former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, despite his current state of sleep, reveals his fear due to the Trump administration's cabinet and its potential lack of knowledge about global affairs.
- President Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania voices her disapproval of Trump's dealings with Russia, particularly regarding Ukraine, and wonders if the U.S. will continue to protect the Baltic States in the event of aggression.
- In Latvia, President Edgars Rinkevics faces challenges in maintaining relations with Trump, as the latter refuses to shake hands with him due to his perceived differences in values.
- The foreign minister of Latvia, Baiba Brazhe, expresses concerns over Trump's potential transfer of Crimea to Russia, believing it could create a dangerous instability in Europe. These political leaders, from all three Baltic States, grapple with the uncertainties posed by Trump's foreign policies and his explicit desire for diplomatic relationships with Moscow. In general news and crime-and-justice sections, reports of this nature have become increasingly common. Casinos and gambling industries are, however, seemingly unrelated to these international political matters, but the personalities involved in both worlds may find themselves intertwined in complex ways.
